One of Somerville's new tools in its fight against rats is equipment that pumps carbon monoxide into rat burrows. Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — With the weather turning warmer and rodents becoming more active, Somerville has launched an effort to reduce the city's rat population.
'DeRATification Week' runs April 27 through May 3.
Somerville's 'Rat Czar' Alicia Privett, who is also the Environmental Health Coordinator for the city's Inspectional Services Department, said Somerville is using some new tactics that include pumping carbon monoxide into burrows to help control the rat population.
She said the city is moving away from using rodenticides and poisons. "We can use this along with dry ice for our burrow treatment."
Privett said a big part of DeRATification Week is providing residents with knowledge and clearer guidance through the city's revamped website that features updated city resources, prevention tips, and a multilingual resource library.
There's an updated SMART Box Dashboard that shows the location of city-owned smart traps and where rat activity is being detected.
Residents can request a free property inspection, and if needed, free rodent control services.
Somerville's rodent control programs are provided free to city residents and are funded through municipal taxes. "Rodent control can be pretty expensive," Privett said.
The city is encouraging participating residents to post free yard signs that they have joined the city's DeRATification effort.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.