We all know rats have been problematic lately in the city!  Remember this?

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City Councilor Ed Flynn wants to create the Office of Pest Control to lead rodent mitigation operations, and we think it’s a great idea!

BOSTON –  In a key effort to tackle the persisting issue of rats in the City of Boston, Councilor Flynn will be filing an ordinance to create the Office of Pest Control to lead rodent mitigation operations. This follows a number of hearings last year in which Councilor Flynn and his colleagues discussed the City’s multi-pronged approach towards tackling pest control with officials at the Inspectional Services Department, Public Works and Code Enforcement. Councilor Flynn will be formally filing this ordinance at the January 31st Council Meeting.

Last year, Councilor Flynn had the opportunity to speak with Kathleen Corradi, New York City’s first new Rat Czar, to get her insights and to learn about her operations. He has also spoken with Mayor Wu about the creation of a pest control office.

Pest control has become a major quality of life issue for residents for many years, and was exacerbated by the pandemic when food sources moved away from restaurants to residential areas. There has been an uptick of rodent sightings across all neighborhoods in Boston and the issue of pest control has become a top constituent complaint.

“I am filing this ordinance to create the Office of Pest Control as this is a serious public health issue and the top quality of life complaint I get when I talk to my constituents,” said Councilor Flynn. “We need a centralized point person in the City that has overall authority and responsibility on all matters relating to rats and rodent mitigation. The creation of the Office of Pest Control would provide the attention and oversight that our neighbors and taxpayers deserve.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and [email protected].