We have filed a complaint with 311 and contacted the Department of Health Rodent Control unit per Brian Pate's recommendation.
We also had Connor's Pest Control (Great guys, very helpful - highly recommend) come out to do a free consultation of our property to make sure we didn't have any nests or rat activity on our property. The gentleman who came for the consultation confirmed we don't have nests on our property and aren't doing anything that is adding to the problem. However, he noted some holes in the ground near our fence perimeter, which tell him the rats are burrowing underneath fences and traversing through people's backyards, as well as through the alley.
He suggested other people in the neighborhood should call 311 and file a complaint to get the city out to bate traps in the alley and manage the problem. Additionally, he warned the rats are likely attracted to fruits or vegetables people may be growing in their backyards - so I only want people to be aware that they should be very careful if they grow and eat items from their gardens. He also suggested folks make sure they keep wood piles 18 inches off the ground and away from their houses, clean up unnecessary debris in their backyards and in the alley, and keep garbage and compost containers tightly secured. If you notice any holes around the perimeter of your fence, you should take the time to fill them in with mulch or dirt and tamp them down securely to close out the channel.
I am sure everyone is as concerned about this problem as we are, so I encourage you to call 311 and file a request/ complaint with their rodent abatement program. You can also contact the Department of Health Rodent Unit as Mr. Pate recommended and speak with Doreen Broomfield at(202) 442-4754.
Thanks in advance to everyone in the neighborhood for pitching in and helping to nip this problem in the bud!
Mike
