DeRATification Week Taking on Somerville Rats

As rodent activity increases with warmer weather; Somerville is launching a push to help the community prevent and address rat activity. DeRATification Week, running April 27 through May 3, combines new tools and clearer guidance, making it easier for Somerville to make life harder for the rats.

“Rats are tough and scrappy, but so is Somerville,” said Mayor Jake Wilson. “DeRATification Week is about giving residents the tools and know-how to hit rats where it hurts. When we do the basics right, rats lose their edge.”

The campaign will highlight practical steps residents and businesses can take, while improving access to the tools and resources the City provides.

“In a city like Somerville, where many residents are renters, education matters—for landlords and tenants alike,” said Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan. “Tenants are often the first to spot issues, and property owners need to act quickly. When everyone does their part, we make real progress. I’m grateful to the Wilson administration for leading this practical, citywide effort.”

What to Expect During DeRATification Week

During DeRATification Week, the City will focus on providing straightforward, accessible ways for residents and businesses to tackle rodent activity.

Key resources and activities include:

Online Rodent Service Request System

• Request a free City property inspection for evidence of rodents and, if needed, free rodent control services, including placement of Terad3 bait boxes and burrow treatments. City inspectors will also share tailored recommendations to help prevent future rodent activity. Request a property inspection today.
• Want to show your property is helping take on the rats? Participating properties also receive a free yard sign encouraging neighbors to join the City’s DeRATification effort.

Updated SMART Box Dashboard

• Residents can now view an updated public SMART Box map showing where City-owned smart traps are deployed and where activity is being detected. The dashboard offers greater visibility into ongoing mitigation efforts and shows how data is guiding targeted response citywide.

Redesigned Rodent Control Webpage

• A revamped somervillema.gov/rats provides an improved user experience, with updated City resources, prevention tips, and a multilingual resource library.

Throughout the week, the City will be rolling out DeRATification videos series sharing tips and resources to stop rats in their tracks. Stay tuned to somervillema.gov/rats and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky to watch the latest. 

• Walk & Talk with Mayor Wilson (video)
  • Join Mayor Wilson and Somerville’s rat czar on a walk through Union Square to learn how to spot early signs of rodent activity—and shut it down before it spreads.
• Containerization in Action (video)
  • A look at how a Somerville resident has successfully containerized their trash, with practical tips on how better storage cuts off one of rats’ favorite things: easy food access.
• BurrowRx Demonstration (video)
  • See one of the City’s key rodent mitigation tools in action and how targeted treatments reduce burrow activity at the source.

Help DeRATify Somerville

DeRATification Week emphasizes practical steps residents and businesses can take right away:

• Store trash in sealed, secure containers
• Eliminate food sources and clutter
• Report rodent activity early
• Maintain properties to prevent burrowing

Rodent control is a shared effort between the City, property owners, tenants, and businesses. DeRATification Week is about making it easier for everyone to do their part, and harder for rats to stick around.

For more information and updates, visit somervillema.gov/rats.

Persons with disabilities can request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.