Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller Says City Is Handling Rat Problem

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said Thursday that the city has introduced new initiatives to get its rat problem under control.

In the last year, the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) has conducted 133 site assessments and worked with residents and business owners to take necessary actions. In addition, Newton will now compliment those assessments with expanded rodent control efforts.

"While the numbers of rat sightings are not up this year in Newton there's no doubt they are out there, and we take it seriously," said Fuller in a community update. "We have learned that discouraging rodents from living in our City is most successful as a community effort."

Fuller said Newton will increase its rat control measures by implementing a new policy requiring rodent control services for every full property demolition permit and an environmentally-sensitive rodent control program on city properties in areas experiencing issues. The city will also contact the owners and contractors of active construction sites with information on rodent control and provide rodent control advisory documents each time someone applies for a building permit.

In addition, Newton plans to explore a rodent control financial assistance program for residents with financial difficulties and collaborate with the City Council on analyzing additional ways to strengthen and expand rodent control actions allowed under state laws.

For more information on how to control rodents in your neighborhood, click here. Rat sightings can be reported here.