Village of Villa Park provides tips to help reduce rodent activity

The Village of Villa Park recently advised residents how to help reduce rodent activity in the area.

“The village is seeing increased rodent activity, and everyone can help reduce it by removing food, water, and shelter,” stated the village in last week’s announcement, which provided the following tips to control the rodent population:

• Keep trash in sturdy containers with tight-fitting lids and keep dumpster lids closed
• Avoid leaving pet food (and birdseed) outside and clean up fallen fruit and pet waste promptly
• Trim overgrown vegetation and remove yard debris or clutter where rodents can hide
• Store firewood and lumber off the ground and away from buildings
• Seal gaps and openings around your home, garage, and shed; rats can squeeze through openings as small as a nickel
• Use snap traps or enclosed, tamper-resistant bait stations if needed, and keep them away from children and pets
• Contract with a pest management professional or contact the village to treat active burrows

“Seeing rats during the day often indicates a larger population that needs immediate attention,” stated the village in its announcement. “Rodent control is most effective when the entire neighborhood participates. One property with accessible food or shelter can impact the whole block. By working together to maintain our properties and secure waste, we can help protect the health, safety, and quality of life in Villa Park.”

The announcement added that the village is “taking steps to address issues in public areas” and “recently adopted [during the July 13 Villa Park Village Board meeting] policies to address observed rodent activity on private properties that do not respond to formal requests for abatement.”