Massachusetts Rodent Report

It's not your imagination. There are more rodents than ever before. Maybe you first became aware of it when people started complaining on social media, or perhaps you know someone who found a mouse or a rat in their home. Either way rodents are on the rise in Massachusetts, particularly in the north shore region of the state.

A Ra-Tastrophe

Late last year, residents in towns along the coast, including Salem, Peabody, and Danvers, started reporting more rodents in and around homes. The Salem Evening News reported that, The upswing in population is causing a ra-tastrophe on the North Shore, as more rodents, attracted to densely settled areas.

See What Public Health Directors are Saying

Peabody Public Health Director Sharon Cameron said, "Most of our complaints are coming in the more densely populated areas in the city. That's because rodents like to live where people like to live. We provide them with food and water and sources of harborage." Public health specialists are quick to educate residents that rodents are looking for three main things: food, water, and a safe place to nest.

Preventative Action Against Rats & Mice

To avoid encouraging rats and mice, exterminators as well as city/state officials, are suggesting that homeowners make their homes as unattractive as possible to these scavengers. To do this seal up holes in your foundation. Keep garbage covered. Bring pet food bowls in each evening. Clean grills and BBQ areas thoroughly after each use. Be sure to store firewood away from your home. Keep your gutters clean and maintain a clean yard year-round.

Combating The Issue

The problem is not just occurring in Peabody, but all across the north shore. Peabody reported over 100 rodent complaints to the city last year, while Salem's numbers of complaints doubled. This is not including the numbers of homes that do not report rodents to their specific municipality.To combat this growing problem, the region will be using part of a $250,000 grant from the state Department of Public Health to put out a request for a proposals to develop a regional Integrated Pest Management plan. The plan would include environmental sanitation, proper food storage, rodent-proofing, trapping, and poisoning. Have you noticed an upswing in rats and mice in your area or, worse yet, in your home? Be sure to report the event to the North Shore Shared Public Health Services Group. Need help getting rid of the rodents in your home? Call Pest-End Exterminators now at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321.