Melrose Health Director Warns of Wildlife

MELROSE - Melrose Health Director Ruth Clay is warning residents about an increase in wildlife sightings. Specifically, Clay warned of rats.

"We understand how distressing this can be and are actively working with residents to deal with the issue head on," Clay said in a release. "Rodent control is under my authority, and in my 20 years here in Melrose I have dealt with several cases. My staff and I take this issue very seriously, and we have considerable experience in dealing with this issue over the years."

Clay detailed measures that the Health Department has implemented:

• Call the Health Department if you see rodents on your property or public property (781-979-4130 or [email protected]). A Health Inspector will come out personally and walk the property with you, looking for burrows and anything that may be attractive to rats, and will help you solve the problem.
• The Health Department is mapping the locations of sightings to identify any common areas and to implement a plan to eradicate them.
• The Health Department has contracted a licensed Pest Control Operator to perform targeted application of pesticides in storm drains. The contractor we use is trained to work in residential areas and in fact is the contractor many residents are using for their own property.
• We have asked the MBTA to bait the areas along the railroad tracks.
• The Department of Public Works has increased its regular schedule of emptying trash barrels in parks. You can report an overflowing trash can on City property by calling the City Yard at 781-665-0142.
• Some have expressed concerns that the problem is being caused by construction. This can be true. There is private home construction and other construction going on right now in Melrose as well as Saugus and surrounding communities, which is common every spring. However, the City has policies to limit this. The City of Melrose requires that rodent control be done within 30 days of any building demolition in order to prevent that from occurring. Rodents are usually not disturbed by routine roadwork and sidewalk work, but by extensive demolition or excavation. Furthermore, they usually stay close to home and typically go just far enough to find food and shelter.

For more information, go to http://www.cityofmelrose.org/2016/05/25/message-health-director-ruth-clay/