Mary Byrne
With winter waning and the weather warming comes the unfortunate return of rat sightings in Belmont.
Rodent sightings are already up compared to this time last year, according to data collected by the Health Department. Four sightings were reported in February, compared to one in February 2023.
Belmont logged four rat complaints in January of this year, compared to three in January 2023.
“Usually when there’s less snow, the rat complaints start up earlier in the year,” said Public Health Agent Lindsey Sharp.
Complaints rise and fall with each year, according to data the department began collecting in 2016. In 2017, the town recorded 118 rat complaints; in 2019 and 2020, 81 and 83 complaints were reported, respectively. Last year, 58 complaints were reported to the Health Department, down from 74 in 2022.
“[Areas of complaints] shift yearly,” Sharp said. “Each year, there is usually a handful of different areas that are more affected [rather] than it affecting one yard or one business.”
Sharp said the department presents a monthly report on rat complaints to the Board of Health to apprise them of what residents see in the community.
“It is always such an issue in Belmont and any other surrounding towns,” she said. “It’s something they always like to know what’s happening regarding that issue.”
A Rat Hot Spot
In late 2023, the Greater Boston area was identified as one of the top areas of the country for rat infestations. The Atlanta-based pest control service Orkin ranked neighborhoods based on the number of new rodent services and new rodent treatments performed between Sept. 1, 2022, and Aug. 31, 2023. Topping the list is Chicago, followed by Los Angeles and New York.
In addition to weather, rat infestation can be linked to habitat disruption from construction, poor sanitation, and the draw of food.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rats have the potential to carry diseases that can spread to people directly through contact with feces, urine, or saliva. Beyond that, Sharp noted, they can cause property damage.
“They can also get into things like your car, and they might chew on the wires, which can also cause problems for general life and safety,” she said. They’re pretty crafty.”
Sharp said residents and business owners can report rat sightings at a restaurant, park, or personal property. When a resident calls, writes or appears in person with a complaint, a staff member takes as much information as possible and determines the next steps. Sometimes, that means a health inspection of a business; other times, it means working with the Department of Public Works to address a problem at a park or other public area.
“Whenever it comes up, it’s certainly an issue we want to help as best we can and … make sure residents have access to the information they need,” Sharp said.