Rat Prevention Initiatives in Dense Residential Areas
Status: In Progress
Original Proposal
This proposal aims to tackle rodent infestations in identified hotspots by improving waste management practices and reducing food access for rats.
By investing in rodent-proof waste storage solutions in high-density residential areas, food sources for rodents can be limited where they are most problematic. The City will use sensor technology to monitor the effectiveness of these upgrades and expand successful solutions.
This initiative supports the newly launched Boston Rodent Action Plan, which aims to reduce the rodent population and improve residents' quality of life.
Budget Breakdown
Total Budget: $500,000
Spent/Committed:
Remaining: $500,000
Implementation and Impact
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The Inspectional Services Department, Public Works, and the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) will expand a successful rat prevention pilot from Charlestown to two BHA’s developments in Brighton, one of the neighborhoods most impacted by rodents.
The program will try to mitigate rodent activity by:
- Upgrading existing residential trash collection service to commercial level service;
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Installing metroSTOR trash, recycling and compost bins;
- Providing in unit trash, recycling compost containers, and education for 665 units; and,
- Buying and installing MicroShare Sensors to test the effectiveness of this pilot.
In August of 2025, the Boston Housing Authority released a public bid for Rodent-Proof Containerization for Trash, Recycling, and Compost:
Read the Bid - Project implementation is set to begin in the winter of 2025.
