Latest news with #ratcontrol
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Rat birth control pilot program coming to Chicago's North Side
A rat birth control program is coming to Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. On Thursday, 43rd Ward Alderperson Timmy Knudsen introduced a resolution for the privately funded "Rat Contraceptive Pilot," which uses non-toxic contraceptive pellets to reduce the rat population. This resolution was announced in partnership with the Chicago Bird Alliance, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservancy, and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. "Chicago's current use of rat poison is not effectively reducing the targeted population," Ald. Knudsen said. "More than that, rat poison has been determined as the cause of death of natural wildlife, including horned owls in the 43rd Ward." Test results last year revealed Lincoln Park's beloved great horned owls died after exposure to rodenticide, or rat poison. The Chicago Bird Alliance passed a policy calling for reducing the use of anticoagulant rodenticides. The group continues to advocate for local birds impacted by rat poisoning. The new pilot program will start later this summer, officials confirmed. Back in April, the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce announced a similar program where bait boxes with rat birth control were installed in alleys behind several major thoroughfares in the neighborhoods. In 2024, Chicago was named the rattiest city in America by Orkin for the 10th year in a row. Los Angeles was ranked the second rattiest city in the nation, with New York coming in third. This effort is separate from the City of Chicago's rodent control program. In 2017, the city tried a rat birth control pilot program on the South Side. City officials did not respond to a request on information on what happened with that program.
CBC
16-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
CBC Calgary Headline News July 16: Testing wastewater for measles & Alberta's rat control program
CBC Calgary Headline News July 16: Testing wastewater for measles & Alberta's rat control program 7 minutes ago Duration 0:57
CBC
10-07-2025
- Health
- CBC
Toronto's proposed rat reduction plan passes 1st hurdle, could come into effect in 2026
Toronto's proposed rat response plan is one step closer to being implemented after a municipal committee unanimously approved the plan Wednesday. The new plan brought forward by city staff focuses on ways to reduce the use of rodenticides, such as eliminating food and shelter, as well as opting for the use of gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide for rat control. Davenport Coun. Alejandra Bravo said that the plan will need coordination across city departments in order to be effective. "Rats are pests and they require an interdivisional approach to deal with and to manage," Bravo said during the meeting for the economic and community development committee. Bravo also said climate change has allowed rat mating season to be all year, making Toronto's rat problem worse and worse. "We are talking about a single pair of rats being able to produce hundreds of offspring," she said. Additionally, the plan outlines a strengthening of municipal services to improve cleanliness in urban areas and a coordinated rat management response that prioritizes hot spots. But it does not entirely eliminate the use of rodenticides — a source of contention among some speakers at the committee. Allison Hansen, campaign director at Rodenticide Free Ontario, told the committee she lost a pet after it accidentally ingested rat poison. "Pesticides are dangerous," Hansen said, adding that they should be a "temporary and last resort." The plan will now make its way to city council for final approval later this month. If approved, it could take effect next year.
Malay Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Got rats? MPAJ offers to pay RM3 for each at Pekan Ampang market
KUALA LUMPUR, July 10— The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has launched a campaign offering cash rewards to those who catch rats at Pasar Pekan Ampang and surrounding areas. The initiative, held in collaboration with the local Zone 8 Residents' Committee, is part of efforts to curb the spread of rat-borne diseases such as leptospirosis. Under the 'Kempen Basmi Tikus MPAJ', participants will receive RM3 for each rat caught during the campaign period. MPAJ said the effort aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goals on good health and sustainable communities. Cash redemption counters will operate from 9.30am to 12.00pm between July 8 and 25 at the Pasar Pekan Ampang compound. Participation is open to traders operating in and around the Ampang market area.
CTV News
09-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Rat response plan up for debate at Toronto City Hall
A large rat feasts on leftover food scraps outside of the Burrard SkyTrain Station in Vancouver on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Toronto's plan to tackle its growing rat population will go before a municipal committee on Wednesday. City Manager Paul Johnson released the city's 'Rat Response Plan' last month, following a motion last year by Coun. Alejandra Bravo and Deputy Mayor Amber Morley to address what the pair described at the time as the 'increasing challenge' of large rat populations in Toronto. The plan, which is being reviewed by the Economic and Community Development Committee this morning, would launch in 2026 and include, among other things, the creation of a 'Rat Response' coordination team, responsible for supporting the improved coordination of rat management across the city. Also included is a proposed requirement for contractors to prevent and manage rat infestations at city-led construction sites when they're displaced into neighbuoring properties. Private construction sites, as well as Metrolinx-led projects, would also be advised on how to implement proper pest management and reduce the impact of rats. In a letter published last month, Coun. Paula Fletcher said she's heard from Toronto-Danforth residents near the Ontario Line construction about 'rodent infestations' in and around their homes following the project's start. 'Currently, the pest control process is largely reactive and difficult for residents to access. As the city explores a comprehensive rat management strategy, it is imperative that Metrolinx-led transit projects align with these standards and adopt a preventative approach,' she wrote at the time. The city's plan would cost up to $351,000 to hire two people to implement it, as well as $150,000 for public communication and staff training. Rat-related complaints have more than doubled The report notes that rats in Toronto are not a public health issue, as there is no evidence of disease transmission linked to rats in Toronto, and the rodents should be treated 'as a nuisance.' 'However, they can still pose health risks in food establishments and may contribute to mental health impacts for residents dealing with infestations,' the report read. According to the city, there is no reliable method to estimate the number of rats in any city, so municipalities rely on service request or complaints about rodents to inform their pest management strategy. However, from 2015 to 2024, city data shows that the number of rodent-related complaints climbed from 1,165 to 2,523. As well, a 12-year report released earlier this year found that Toronto has seen a significant increase to its rat population, ranking third among the 16 cities studied, with warming temperatures, growing urban centres, and ongoing construction projects listed as contributing factors.
