Somerville Launches DeRATification Week To Help Tackle Rodent Problem

SOMERVILLE, MA — DeRATification Week is currently taking place between now and Sunday, May 3 as warmer weather brings increased rodent activity. The campaign is aimed at helping residents and businesses prevent and address rat activity through new tools, updated resources and clearer guidance.

Mayor Jake Wilson said the effort is focused on practical steps people can take across the city.

“Rats are tough and scrappy, but so is Somerville,” Wilson said. “DeRATification Week is about giving residents the tools and know-how to hit rats where it hurts. When we do the basics right, rats lose their edge.”

The campaign includes an online rodent service request system that lets people request a free city property inspection for evidence of rodents. If needed, the city said it will provide free rodent control services, including placement of Terad3 bait boxes and burrow treatments. Inspectors will also share recommendations to help prevent future rodent activity.

Participating residents can also receive a free yard sign encouraging neighbors to join the effort. Somerville has also updated its public SMART Box dashboard so residents can see where city-owned smart traps are deployed throughout Somerville and where activity is being detected. The map is intended to give the public greater visibility into mitigation efforts and show how data is being used for targeted response citywide.

The city also redesigned its rodent control webpage at with updated resources, prevention tips and a multilingual resource library. During the week, Somerville said it will roll out a video series with tips and resources, including a walk through Union Square with Wilson and the city's rat czar Alicia Privett, a look at trash containerization by a resident, and a BurrowRx demonstration showing one of the city's mitigation tools. BurrowRx poisons rats using carbon monoxide.

Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan said the campaign is especially important in a city with many renters.

“In a city like Somerville, where many residents are renters, education matters—for landlords and tenants alike,” Clingan said. “Tenants are often the first to spot issues, and property owners need to act quickly. When everyone does their part, we make real progress. I’m grateful to the Wilson administration for leading this practical, citywide effort.”

The city is also urging residents and businesses to store trash in sealed containers, eliminate food sources and clutter, report rodent activity early, and maintain properties to prevent burrowing. More information and updates are available online.

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