Rats and rodents are an unwelcome member of our urban environment.  The City has done much to combat rats in the past decade.  There are tough penalties for businesses and buildings that do not maintain closed garbage dumpsters.  Developers must present certification of rodent abatement before receiving demolition permits.  In the 43rd Ward we have installed dog waste bag dispensers to encourage pet owners to pick up after their dogs.  Dog waste is a favorite food for rats.  The City is also replacing old garbage carts with tougher and tighter sealing carts. 

If you see rodent activity call the alderman's office.  The City's Bureau of Rodent Control is very responsive in baiting alleys and will inspect and bait private property too.  You can help  by coordinating inspections and baiting with nearby neighbors.  Alert us to any problem areas where streets and sanitation should inspect garbage maintenance conditions. 

The City will respond to requests for traps only  when the wildlife animal is located inside the home, in an enclosed porch, or in an attached garage.  All wildlife complaints of animals outside the home that are not priority requests (see below) should be referred to private exterminators.  Be cautious when using rat poison yourself.  If not baited properly, birds and squirrels can scatter the poison to places where it can come in dangerous contact with family pets.

Priority requests include attacks and bites, vicious animals, animal cruelty reports, injured animals and animals in traps.