Everyone Plays A Role in Mitigating Rats

Together, we can keep Boston rodent-free! Learn how to prevent rats in your neighborhood.

Rodents thrive when they have easy access to food, water, and shelter. Everyone can help keep Boston clean and healthy by following these key habits:

What Can You Do to Help?

Use sturdy barrels with tight-fitting lids for all household trash.
If possible, avoid using kitchen trash bags alone — rats can easily chew through them.
Set out trash as close to collection time as possible, ideally by 6 AM. Trash may be placed curbside after 5 PM the night before collection day
Do not overfill barrels — lids must close completely.
Rinse all recyclables to remove food residue before placing them in bins.
Store food waste in a rodent-resistant compost bin or sealed container whenever possible.
Keep outdoor areas clean — sweep up crumbs, food scraps, and debris that can attract rodents.

Eliminate standing water (such as birdbaths, buckets, and clogged gutters).
Seal holes, cracks, and gaps in foundations, walls, and doors — rats can squeeze through a hole the size of a quarter.
Keep yards, alleys, and shared spaces free of clutter like wood, debris, or overgrown vegetation where rodents nest.

Work with your landlord, condo board, or neighbors to ensure everyone follows best practices.
Pick up after your pets! Pet waste is one of rat's favorite snacks!
Avoid feeding birds and other wildlife - left over scraps help feed unintended guests
Report overflowing barrels, illegal dumping, or rodent activity by calling 311 or using the BOS:311 app.
If you’d like to help educate your neighbors about proper trash management, sign up to be a Neighborhood Block Captain by emailing rats@boston.gov.