The Evanston Health and Human Services Department is committed to helping control the rat population by increasing public education and employing various treatment strategies. It's important to note that rats are present mostly due to human activities. Rats are a community-wide problem and require a community-wide solution. We have to modify our habits and behaviors in order to take away their food, water and shelter.

 

What does the City do?

The Evanston Health & Human Services Department tracks and investigates 311 service requests and complaints; inspects alleys and properties for rats; and performs and contracts baiting and exterior treatment for residential properties (FREE for residential properties). In many cases, inspectors have indicated that good management of property is essential to controlling the rodent population

 

 

Why are rats on my property?

There are many things we can unknowingly do that helps contribute to the rat population, these are known as contributing factors:

• Garbage spilling out of dumpsters - Food Source
• Not picking up after our pets - Food Source
• Piles of wood and other debris directly on the ground - Protection
• Overgrown grass and vegetation - Protection
• Birdfeeders spilling bird seed - Food Source
• Open Compost bins - Food Source
• Throwing food on the ground for birds, cats, and other animals - Food Source
• Dumpsters and garbage containers in poor repair - Food Source

 

How can I prevent rats on my property?

In order to prevent attracting rats to your property, you need to remove everything they need to survive: food, water, and shelter

• Eliminate (and recycle) rubbish, boxes, scrap metal and other materials that give rats a place to hide
• Control weeds, shrubs and vegetation overgrowth, especially along foundations, that give rodents the means to move from location to location without being seen
• Keep food away. Don’t put food out for stray animals, and remove bird-feeders
• Manage garbage. Use durable, City-approved trash cans with tight-fitting lids
• Seal holes and openings in garage walls and doors
• Share this information. Tell your neighbors, tenants and landlords

If you see rats in your neighborhood, please call or text 847-448-4311 to schedule an inspection, or submit a 311 service request.

In order for inspection and treatment to occur, residents must fill out the Release of Liability form (Printable Version) 

 

Other Resources

To learn more about how you can assist in managing the rodent population, please review the Evanston Health & Human Services Department's publication, "Controlling Rats," below. (Printable version) 

For more information, please review "Why Urban Rat Populations Are So Difficult to Control," by Dr. Robert Corrrigan, appearing in Pest Control magazine.

 

Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Policy

The City of Evanston seeks to serve as a model to the public for the use of sustainable pest control practices, including natural lawn care and integrated pest management, as well as increase awareness about such practices.  In 2010, the City of Evanston created the Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Policy. The purpose of this Policy is to reduce the use of pesticides in the City of Evanston through the implementation of sustainable pest control practices on City-owned or -leased property, and to educate the general public as well as the private sector about these practices. Read the full policy.