There are resources to help us deal with this problem. We have contacted the City Department of Health Rodent Control Division and received copies of petitions that once signed, will allow us to make an appointment for rat eradication. We would like to contact an individual in each affected block to hand out information to neighbors, gather information about any sightings of rats or burrows, and get the petition signed so the City can come out and address the problem. This needs to be done before the City can take any action.

Inspectors will examine the yards and alleys to look for rat burrows. These burrows are where the rats live, and can be as much as 150 feet long. So a burrow in one person’s yard can result in rats in several other properties. We will receive a report of which properties were treated.

The City uses pellets or powder which is poisonous for rats, and inserts it into the burrows. The burrows are then closed. A follow up inspection is done after the initial treatment to measure effectiveness.

• Volunteer to be a point person on your block if asked,
  or call Candith Pallandre (202) 390-9737
• Share information about problem areas or rodent sightings in your block with above person
• Sign the petition to allow inspection by Department of Health
• Make sure that trash cans are closed and in good condition. If you need additional cans or repairs go to: (DISTRICT SERVICES)
• Do not leave trash or other debris in yards or in alleys outside trash cans
• Report trash violations to the bca@burleith.org
• To report repeatedly unkempt properties, call (202) 442-4477. If the house is vacant, please go to the DCRA website Vacant Property Section to report it: http://dcra.cd.gov/dcra
• Email rats@BCA.org with information so we can consolidate our efforts
• Or contact Candith Pallandre (neighborhood coordinator for this effort) at pallandc@georgetown.edu or (202) 390-9737 with questions or concerns