Recycling is one of the easiest ways we can keep our community clean, save money, and protect the planet. That said, figuring out what goes in the recycling bin and what doesn’t can feel like a puzzle sometimes. We've put together this handy guide based on the city's website to make it easy!
The presence of rats is a persistent challenge, requiring collective action from residents and city officials to address the issue. These rodents pose more than an inconvenience; they damage food supplies, household items, and can transmit diseases through their fleas. By understanding rat behavior, eliminating their resources, and collaborating with municipal support, we can restore our neighborhood to a rat-free state. Below are the steps to achieve this goal.
The Norway Rat (Rattus Norvegicus)
To begin, it is essential to familiarize ourselves with the local rodent population. The Norway Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) predominates in this region, characterized by a robust build, a coat ranging from light brown to nearly black, and capsule-shaped droppings approximately ¾ inch in length. These rats have a lifespan of about one year, during which a female may produce 6-12 pups per litter, up to seven times annually. They construct burrows beneath structures, sheds, or debris, typically remaining within 150 feet of food and water sources. Consuming roughly one ounce of food and half an ounce of water daily, they prefer meats and grains, though they approach unfamiliar items with caution. Their agility is notable—they can leap three feet, scale pipes, gnaw through materials such as brick, and enter through small openings.
Early detection is critical to curbing their spread. Residents should inspect properties for signs such as burrows (often under sheds), droppings, gnaw marks, or greasy rub marks along walls. Examine trash containers for chewed holes, particularly at the base or sides, which indicate rat access. Additional evidence includes trails, nests (burrows), or concealed food caches. Prompt identification minimizes proliferation.
Eliminating food sources is fundamental to deterrence. Utilize heavy-duty plastic or metal trash bins with secure lids; plastic bags alone are insufficient and should serve only as liners within these containers. Regularly clean bins and recycling receptacles to remove residue that attracts rats. Store pet food in sealed containers and promptly remove any uneaten portions or waste, as rats will consume both. In gardens, collect fallen fruit or vegetables. For compost bins, maintain a ratio of 3 parts “brown” materials (e.g., leaves, paper) to 1 part “green,” cover food scraps with brown matter, exclude meat or dairy, and install ½-inch wire mesh beneath the bin. Ensure the compost remains moist, is turned frequently, and has a tightly closed lid.
The City of Quincy Department of Public Works has a program for Curbside Compost Collection - A subscription-based curbside collection of compost provided by Black Earth. For more information, please visit Black Earth's Website.
Denying rats harborage is equally important. Seal holes in walls or floors with copper, stainless, or aluminum wire mesh, finished with spackle or caulk indoors. Equip doors and windows with ½-inch mesh screens. Remove yard clutter such as wood piles, tires, or construction debris, and repair or dismantle dilapidated sheds, fences, or garages. Maintain lawns and trim shrubbery to eliminate hiding spots. For bird feeders, dispense seed sparingly, store excess in secure containers, and clean up spills daily to avoid attracting rats.
Effective rat control requires neighborhood cooperation, as rodents traverse property boundaries freely. Organize with neighbors to conduct cleanups, removing abandoned vehicles, mattresses, or other debris that shelters rats. Communicate with your neighbors to identify and address problem areas, such as overgrown lots, and share observations and strategies. Share this blog with your neighbors to encourage widespread participation.
For persistent infestations, professional intervention is recommended. Engage a licensed pest management professional employing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, and verify their Massachusetts credentials. Should you opt for self-treatment, position traps every 20 feet in active areas, adhere strictly to poison label instructions, and ensure they are inaccessible to children and pets. When handling deceased rats or emptying traps, use gloves or tools, then dispose of them in sealed trash receptacles. For severe cases, contact the Quincy Health Department at 617-376-1275; their inspectors can pinpoint food sources and harborage sites, issuing citations to non-compliant property owners as needed.
Residents can rely on municipal support to bolster efforts. Quincy’s Health Department addresses rat-related concerns involving neglected properties or public areas. If rats are observed in parks or streets with accumulated refuse, report these via quincyma.gov constituent services. The Health Department (617-376-1275) provides inspections and assistance for substantial rodent challenges, enforcing codes to safeguard our community. These services are available to support our initiative—utilize them.
Rats are a persistent challenge not only in Quincy but in cities nationwide, necessitating a unified approach to eradication. Our strategy remains clear: Understand rat behavior, detect their presence swiftly, eliminate their access to food and shelter, and act collectively. With diligent neighborhood participation and the support of city resources, we can overcome this widespread urban issue. Every community deserves a clean, safe environment—let us work together to secure it for ours.
