The plan proposes revisiting fine structures for repeat or significant violators of city ordinances, including adjustments to fee structures and the frequency of ticketing.

Community members, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be hosted on Zoom, and participate in discussions surrounding rodent management strategies. Interested attendees can join the meeting here: somervillema.gov/events/2024/04/18/board-health-meeting

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville’s Inspectional Services Department are proud to announce Somerville’s 2024 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan, a comprehensive strategy crafted through collaborative efforts between various city departments and community stakeholders. Aimed at enhancing rodent management efforts, the updated plan incorporates Integrated Pest Management principles to effectively address rodent issues across residential, public, and commercial areas within the city.

Developed in partnership with the City’s Health and Human Services, Inspectional Services, Public Works, SomerStat, Communications, and the Mayor’s Office, the 2024 IPM plan emphasizes the importance of coordination between departments and the utilization of data-driven approaches to inform rodent control strategies.

Key improvements outlined in the plan include:

• Fine Structure Revision: The plan proposes revisiting fine structures for repeat or significant violators of city ordinances, including adjustments to fee structures and the frequency of ticketing.

• Annual Rodent Communications Plan: Establishing an annual schedule of social media campaigns, mailers, community engagement events, training sessions, and visual media to raise awareness and educate the public about rodent control measures.

• Enhanced Public Resources: Improving the accessibility of resources and guides related to rodent management for residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.

• Expansion of Poison-Free Abatement Measures: Introducing alternative poison-free abatement measures such as SMART Boxes, birth control methods, carbon monoxide pumps, and other emerging techniques to mitigate rodent populations.

• Staffing Increases: Increasing staffing dedicated to rodent and vector control to bolster efforts in addressing rodent issues effectively.

• Linking Pest Control Requirements to Permits: Strengthening regulations by linking pest control requirements to more permits, ensuring adherence to rodent management protocols across various activities.

• Improved Data Collection: Enhancing data collection methods to monitor secondary poisonings, diseases, and other impacts associated with rodent infestations.

The City will provide a detailed presentation on the IPM plan at the City’s Board of Health Meeting on Thursday, April 18 at 6 p.m. 

Community members, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be hosted on Zoom, and participate in discussions surrounding rodent management strategies. Those unable to attend the meeting will also be able to view the full plan online starting on April 22.