Washington's long-running battle with rats may be finally taking a turn, as rodent birth control appears to already have declined burrow counts in two neighborhoods.
Here's what to know
The pilot program was launched in spring, and the D.C. Department of Health says the effort is beginning to show results, according to 7News.
The Adams Morgan and Eastern Market neighborhoods have feeding stations on streets and in alleyways that release a liquid contraceptive for rats. Officials say residents may also notice dirt piled against buildings, which marks former rat burrows that have been sealed and should not be disturbed.
"We've seen a reduction in rat burrows at both locations," Andre Pitman, program manager for the Rodent and Vector Control Division, told the outlet.
Adams Morgan dropped from 33 burrows to 18, while Eastern Market went from 44 to nearly single digits.
The goal is to reduce the populations and make areas cleaner and healthier.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
More background
The fertility-control phase is the third step in the city's broader strategy. Officials first used lethal bait, then tracking powder to address population growth after trying to reduce activity.
The idea is to keep neighborhoods from falling into a familiar pattern, wherein rats fade for a time and then return if food and shelter are still easy to find. Pitman said officials are still collecting statistics.
According to 7News, Chinatown will be the next neighborhood to receive the treatment.
What's being done?
Officials want residents to cooperate with the pilot by leaving the feeding stations in place and not disturbing sealed burrows, which officials say could raise the chances of rats coming back.
Health department leaders also say city treatment will not solve the problem. The most useful help residents can provide is limiting rats' access to food, water, and shelter.
That includes waiting until collection day to put trash outside, keeping garbage bags secured, avoiding loose food waste, and regularly cleaning trash bins. Those measures can make homes and blocks less appealing to rodents while protecting the progress made by the pilot.
The Department of Health is also hosting community meetings in the pilot neighborhoods to hear from residents.
"Where we need assistance and help is with the partnerships, with everyone doing their part. It's a shared responsibility," Pitman said.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
