Oh, Rats! After Hearing Hoboken Residents' Pleas, City Places Rodent Baits

HOBOKEN, NJ — Not every "Rat Pack" makes Hoboken proud.

After months of resident complaints about a rat problem in the city, the city has started taking action in a number of ways.

Councilman Ruben Ramos and Councilwoman Jennifer Giattino, who represent the southwest and center areas of the mile-square city, have noted the problem at the end of various council meetings going back to winter, with Giattino saying that residents saw rats "running in the snow."

The City Council took action in early June by voting to add a line to its law about nuisances, "No person shall feed birds, rodents or any other non-domesticated wildlife on public streets, sidewalks, parks and/or public places."

Signs in parks now warn of fines up to $1,000.

But is that enough?

The city has been putting bait in certain neighborhoods as well, said city spokesperson Marilyn Baer this week.

"The city is baiting near sewers between Fifth Street and 10th Street from Monroe Street to
Garden Street," she said Tuesday. "The city also baits near reported problem areas on an as
needed basis. Like other municipalities across the region, the city has seen an increase in the rodent population due to more people staying home during the pandemic."

Residents have, indeed, reported seeing more wildlife around Hoboken in the past two years, from raccoons to deer running in the street.

"The city asks all members of the community to help keep Hoboken clean and green by
keeping garbage in covered containers, picking up pet waste, and not littering to eliminate rodent
food sources," Baer added.

She said, "Property owners should also remove weeds and overgrown vegetation on their property to help eliminate rodent habitats. The Hoboken Health Department continues to inspect reported areas of rodent activity."

Residents can report sightings directly to the Hoboken Health Department at (201) 420-2375.

Hoboken isn't alone. New York City has reported an increase in rat sightings, the New York Times reported in November. They cited a "perfect storm" during the pandemic — outdoor dining, cuts to sanitation and inspection budgets, and even warmer and wetter weather.

The CDC notes that rats and mice can spread "over 35 diseases." They give advice for addressing a rat problem here.

What's your experience been? Comment below or email Hoboken Patch.