Revamping Providence's Rodent Control Program

Kathryn R. Watson

The rat population of Providence, Rhode Island is concentrated in less affluent neighborhoods. Rats are a problem for residents for economic, physical and psychological reasons. Most health hazards linked to rats through history and fable, such as the plague, are not pertinent in Providence. Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted through contact with contaminated rat urine. This illness is documented in New England cities and Rhode Island physicians should be aware of the symptoms and treatments for rat-transmitted diseases. Some Providence residents are concerned about their children being bit by rats. Rats in the neighborhood are undesirable and bring down the moral of the residents. More than health, the presence of rats is an indicator of quality of life.

Providence needs to invest time and energy into improving its rodent control program in step with the other urban revitalization initiatives that the city government is attempting. Equal services from the city government and responsible action from tenants and landlords are required to make a rat control program successful. Residents must keep their garbage in sealed bins, landlords must rat-proof their buildings and hire an exterminator or bait for rats on their properties and the city needs to update its rodent control methods, supply residents with sturdy trash bins and enforce rat-proofing laws. Only cooperation between city agencies and residents will ensure a comprehensive program that will minimize human exposure to rats.