Amidst a growing rat problem and public debate over whether the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) is sufficient to mitigate vermin, local pest control specialists are seeing an uptick in calls city-wide.

John Bozarjian, of B&B Pest Control, says rats and mice have become the bulk of his work over the past decade. He recognizes that cities will always have rats, but that shorter, warmer winters, rapid urban development, and a housing market that does not lend itself to consistent care have caused rodent populations to boom. 

He said most of his work comes from Dorchester and Allston-Brighton, with Southie and Jamaica Plain making up the second highest tier. The South End has also proven problematic. “It’s insane. Trash bags are just out there without a barrel. That’s just bananas. Any 10-year-old should know that you need to contain the trash,” he said.

Trash cans and dumpsters additionally need to be well-maintained and free of holes. “Once there’s a hole in your barrel, it’s pointless to have a barrel. Now it’s just a trough for them,” he said. 

Mitigating rodent food sources is the best way to prevent infestation.“The rats aren’t coming to your house to hang out and say hi. They’re looking to survive,” said Bazarjian. The BRAP additionally advises that laying out poisons without eliminating other sources of food makes traps essentially ineffective.

It does not take much food for rodents to take root, either. Crusty pizza boxes or scraps left on a grill are all it takes for rodent roommates to move in. Bozarjian recognizes this is a larger problem with Boston’s college-aged residents, who may not be used to the reality of urban living. Even when individual households do manage waste properly, one sloppy neighbor can bring rats to a 300-foot radius.

Bozarjian advises neighbors with yards to keep them clear and clutter-free. Unkempt gardens, tall grass, and any junk piled up can create the perfect conditions for rats to hide. “I think a lot of people don’t think about leaning bikes and leaving a bunch of crap against the house is a big issue, but it gives coverage,” he said. The BRAP adds that the root system of evergreen shrubbery creates caverns that make for perfect rat burrows.

Plugging up gaps in foundations, basements, and garages also goes a long way toward keeping pests out. “If you can go inside from your basement and then you go look at your bulkhead and you can start seeing light come in, that means a rodent can get in. Same thing with your door,” he added, recommending everyone invest in door sweeps.

He criticized the landlords and property management companies that just “wash your bank account” without investing any of the funds into maintenance. He thinks the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) should be more aggressive with issuing citations to property owners who are not adequately taking care of their buildings. “Yeah, it costs a few bucks, but it’s gonna be better than when you have an absolutely horrendous rat problem, and you’re on the news.”

He also advises restaurants and businesses not to hold off on pest control until the health inspector shows up. “I’m a big believer in like, if you’re making food, you pay busboys, you pay your hostess, like, what’s the next couple hundred bucks a month?” he said. “[pest control] should be seen as just another worker.”

Though he appreciates the business, Bozarjian is not looking to capitalize on what is becoming a public health crisis. When his services are required, he urges customers to shop local but not view his guys as a silver bullet. “It’s like, alright, yeah, we can kill these rats right now, but guess what? They’re going to come back and keep living the same lifestyle if you don’t change your habits,” he said.

Bozarjian can be reached at [email protected]. More information on the BRAP can be found here.