Rat Complaints On The Rise In South Suburbs During Pandemic

OAK LAWN, IL — As if the pandemic isn’t hard enough, an army of rats have moved into the south suburbs. Rat sightings have been reported in the usual places on neighborhood Facebook pages in Oak Lawn, Burbank, Bridgeview and Chicago Ridge. Evergreen Park residents have also complained about the vermin.

“We’re seeing an influx of rats because of restaurants being closed during the pandemic,” John Bombard said, an exterminator for Rose Pest Solutions. “The rodent population has moved into the suburbs. Restaurant dumpsters are a main food source rats, but with the restaurants being closed for a period of time, they’re looking elsewhere for food.”

Another reason for the surge in rat sightings may be attributed to more people working at home during the pandemic. In May, Chicago fielded over 1,000 rat complaints on its 311 line.

The type of rats most commonly found in urban and suburban areas are the light brown Norway rats. Rats are prolific and reproduce up to six times a year, with four to six rat pups in a litter. Norway rats originate from Asia that arrived in England on Norwegian ships, so technically, the Norway rats are not Norwegian.

Interior locations where rats might be found include kitchens and laundry rooms behind appliances, dryers, and under sinks. Also, attics and lofts, dropped ceilings and wall cavities. Resident should also check the exterior of their property for signs of rodent activity, such as gnawing on corners or decks or holes in plastic garbage cans; rat holes (burrows) around sheds and garages, compost bins, drain covers, trees, shrubs and tall grass.

How to know if you have a rat infestation?

• Rats are nocturnal and like to poop. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, s single rat can produce up to 50 droppings per day. The Norway rat droppings as being about half an inch long, and blunted.

• If you've noticed smudges along skirting boards and walls, you might have rats. Rats (and mice) are greasy critters. They use established routes and due to the dirt and grease on their bodies, will leave smudges or dark marks on objects they brush up against. Rats also have lousy eyesight.
• Norway rats are agile climbers. If you hear scratching noises in lofts and attics, it could be rats. Brown rats can be identified by their grinding teeth.

• Rats are expert diggers and known for their extensive burrowing systems for shelter, food storage and nesting. Rat burrows are found next to solid objects and structures and are 12 inches to 18 deep. A rat nest is 10 inches in diameter.
• Norway rats mostly nest in burrows, but they can also be found in lofts, attics, under eaves and even inside walls. If you see signs of shredding, such as insulation, paper and other soft material, it could be a rat's nest.
• The vermin will also leave tiny footprints and tail swishes in dustier, less used parts of buildings. If you're not sure, sprinkle some powder in the area. Look for cute little claw marks and tail swishes.
• A rat can travel up to 300 feet from its burrow in search of food.

Cold weather doesn’t kill rats, not even a polar vortex, Bombard said, who has been exterminating or “bombarding” rats, mice and other pests for 17 years.

“They burrow. Rats are quite hearty,” Bombard said. “Some of them have been out there for years.”

Alpha male rats are also cannibalistic and will eat their babies in order to survive.

Rose Pest Solutions is the recommended vendor for Oak Lawn and is offering discounts for Oak Lawn residents. Rates vary depending on the severity of the Infestation. The company gives free estimates. Oak Lawn residents can call Bombard directly at 708-295-7620. Residents who live outside Oak Lawn can call the company at 800-GOT-PESTS (800-468-3787).

Once the infestation is identified, Rose will put tamper-resistant bait boxes safe for pets and children around your property. Boxes are weighted, so they don’t get blown over by the wind and are hard for a young child to pick up.

The company uses non-polluting, non-toxic, eco-friendly pest-control chemicals to get rid of your vermin and bugs. Rose will also do some light exclusion work around your home where rodents gaining access to interiors.

Rats are opportunistic critters and will scamper up to 300 feet from their burrows in search of food. They carry diseases, can wreck your home's foundation, and you definitely don't want to get bitten by one. The best way to not have rats is to take preventative measures to keep them away:.

• Eliminate bird feeders and never feed wildlife. Healthy wildlife will find their own food. In some communities, feeding wildlife is illegal.
• Clean up your dog’s waste. Dog poop is like peanut butter to rats.
• Keep pet stored in covered containers.
• Elevated firewood stored in your backyard by putting it on a pallet .
• Pick up and discard fallen fruits from trees and excess vegetables from the garden.
• Clear away any debris in the yard and cut overgrowth, where rats and mice like to hid and burrow.
• Garbage containers must be in good condition and kept closed.
• If storing pet food in the garden shed, consider putting it in a metal container.