Exclaiming “Rats!”—Does Boston Call for a “Rat Czar”?

Affirmative, asserts a BU researcher and select students in the heart of Allston’s “rat city,” as Boston deliberates a novel appointment.

Over the past decade, the rat population in Boston has experienced a dramatic surge, prompting a proposition to centralize municipal pest management under the authority of a rat czar. This proposal comes as a response to the growing concern among residents regarding the prevalence of rats throughout various neighborhoods in the city.

Justin Davids finds himself immersed in a rat-infested environment in Allston, affectionately labeled “rat city” by its student inhabitants. Navigating his way from his apartment on Pratt Street to class, he encounters rat carcasses strewn along the path. Live rats scurry about, varying in size from small and seemingly harmless to alarmingly large. Davids recounts an incident where a rat unexpectedly darted across his living room, leaving him startled.

“It darted up our fireplace,” remarks Davids (CAS’26).

While terriers were historically bred for rat extermination, the modern-day BU terriers abstain from such duties, leaving the task to professionals. However, even with professional assistance, the rat population in Boston continues to thrive, potentially setting the stage for a reenactment of the infamous Willard tale amidst a city plagued by these long-tailed creatures. Despite David’s origins in the relatively rat-free suburbs of Maryland, he has resigned himself to the presence of rats in his surroundings. He admits, “Obviously, it’s unpleasant, and I detest rats. However, I’ve grown accustomed to it over time.”

Nevertheless, his tolerance has its limits, prompting him to contemplate relocating to areas less plagued by rats.

Such a move would necessitate an extensive search for rat-free accommodations. According to a New York-based pest control company, Boston ranked fourth in the nation for reported sightings of rats and cockroaches last year. This ranking is particularly noteworthy considering New York’s reputation for its vehement disdain towards these pests, as evidenced by its recent endeavor to appoint its first-ever “rat czar,” a role requiring candidates to possess a ruthless disposition towards pest eradication. Complaints regarding rats in Boston have surged from 2,173 a decade ago to 3,949 last year, emanating from various neighborhoods spanning from Beacon Hill to Mission Hill and the North End. A recent incident in the North End involved a rat attacking a Shiba Inu dog that had inadvertently picked it up.

In response to the escalating rat crisis, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn advocates for the establishment of a dedicated Office of Pest Control overseen by a rat czar, consolidating efforts currently dispersed among multiple departments. A hearing to discuss Flynn’s proposal is scheduled for today at 2 pm in City Hall’s fifth-floor Iannella Chamber.

The proliferation of rat sightings can be partially attributed to the city’s ongoing construction boom. Jessica Leibler, an associate professor of environmental health at the School of Public Health, explains, “Construction activities disrupt rodent habitats, leading to increased rat sightings.” Reflecting on past construction projects near BU’s Medical Campus, Leibler recalls a notable uptick in rat sightings among faculty, staff, and students. She emphasizes that rats typically inhabit areas near their burrows, making construction sites ideal breeding grounds for these rodents.

While construction activities may cease, the root cause of Allston’s rat epidemic persists. “The primary issue stems from residents and tenants indiscriminately disposing of trash,” observes Gwen Stewart (CAS’25), a resident of Chester Street.

“Students often rent accommodation in more affordable areas and fail to treat the neighborhood with the respect it deserves,” adds Stewart. “On Saturday nights, the streets are littered with trash, providing an ideal environment for rats to thrive.” Similar to David, she refrains from seeking assistance from her landlord or the city, believing their options for intervention to be limited.

Leibler underscores the urgent need for action proposed by Flynn, citing rats as a significant public health threat. “Throughout history, rats have been implicated in major epidemics of infectious diseases,” she cautions. “Research has identified rats as carriers of various pathogens, including bacteria with antibiotic resistance genes and novel viruses.” The Boston Urban Rat Study conducted by Tufts University has detected influenza among wild rodents in the city.

Furthermore, Leibler highlights the adverse health effects of living near rats, particularly for children prone to respiratory conditions such as asthma. She also notes the detrimental impact on mental well-being, as frequent sightings of rats can contribute to feelings of distress and dissatisfaction with one’s living environment.

Leibler’s research has also shed light on the plight of individuals experiencing homelessness, a demographic disproportionately affected by rat infestations. In a study involving nearly 200 participants, 30% reported regular sightings of rodents, underscoring the pervasive nature of the issue among vulnerable populations.

Despite the severity of the situation, Leibler advocates for a targeted approach to pest management, cautioning against indiscriminate extermination methods. She suggests employing integrated pest management strategies, which prioritize non-toxic alternatives such as trapping and habitat modification before resorting to chemical interventions. This approach has proven effective in smaller cities and is currently implemented by BU on campus.

In addition to mitigating immediate pest concerns, Leibler emphasizes the importance of understanding rats’ remarkable adaptability in the face of environmental challenges. With climate change exacerbating ecological disruptions, she believes there is much to learn from studying rats’ resilience and adaptation strategies.

As for the proposition of appointing a rat czar, opinions among affected residents vary. Stewart expresses tentative support for the idea but emphasizes the need for further information.

In contrast, Davids enthusiastically endorses the proposal, eager for any measures that would alleviate the pervasive rat problem in Allston.