A community effort is the most effective way to discourage rats. Newton’s Health and Human Services Department (HHS) works with residents, business owners, and other city departments to teach us about rat behavior and how to minimize their presence and impact on the community. Here are some of their tips:

  • Pick up pet feces.
  • Clean up spilled birdseed.
  • Close trash containers tightly.
  • Keep grills clean.
  • Cover compost piles.

Using rodent poison is not recommended, since it can cause significant harm to hawks, owl, foxes and other animals.

Download the City of Newton’s informational brochure Rats in Newton: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW for more information.