Boston Officials Start Weekly ‘Rat Walks’ to Tackle Growing Rodent Problem

Boston officials are actively tackling the city's worsening rat problem through "rat walks." They involve city employees visiting neighborhoods to identify issues and connect with residents.

During these walks, city employees visit neighborhoods with reported rat issues to assess problems and discuss mitigation efforts directly with residents. The city's Inspectional Services Department visits properties in areas with complaints, focusing on issues like holes that allow rats to enter and exit buildings.

"I see the rodent situation as the main concern in Allston-Brighton," said Michael Mackan, director of environmental services in the Inspectional Services Department, in a statement shared with NBC10 Boston. "It is a big quality of life issue, and we've been working on it for years."

According to officials with the Inspectional Services Department, a series of warmer winters and poor trash storage have led to a surge in the rat population. It's a problem that has plagued Boston. 

Community members like Allston resident Matt Landry are expressing significant concern about rats. "If I wear a pair of flip flops, I'm scared in my backyard," Landry said to NBC10 Boston. "That's how bad it's become."

Residents, such as those on Morrow Road in Brighton, are taking matters into their own hands by using traps and poison to control the rat population. City officials said they are working to educate residents on rat mitigation strategies, including methods like filling burrows with dry ice to kill rodents with carbon monoxide.

The city encourages residents to report rat issues through 311. The Inspectional Services Department said residents should be as descriptive as possible and submit photos if available.

Despite the city's ongoing efforts, some residents believe more decisive and creative measures are needed to address Boston's rat problem effectively.