Pandemic Brings Out Rats In Boston

BOSTON — Boston city councilors say the pandemic has made a disturbing rodent problem go from bad to worse. “This is worse than ever ever in the history of Allston and Brighton,” said Bob Dunn, who hired a pest control company to help with a rat infestation outside his home.

The problem in his neighborhood first began during a construction boom. But this year, city leaders say restaurants shut down, sending rodents scavenging for food. To make matters worse, more people are at home generating more garbage. “There’s been an increase in residential trash during the pandemic,” said City Councilor Kenzie Bok, D-Back Bay.

The Boston City Council held a virtual hearing Tuesday, citing “reports of restaurants closing, causing rats to look for alternative food sources because of the pandemic,” according to Councilor Ed Flynn, D-South Boston. Councilors also talked about cracking down on illegal dumping of trash.

Read more at CBS Boston