Melrose addresses influx of rat encounters with fed up neighbors

MELROSE, Mass. — People in several Melrose neighborhoods say their properties are being infiltrated by an influx of rats. City leaders met with concerned neighbors on Monday night to address the issue.

Pest control experts offered advice to dozens of homeowners to help minimize rodent encounters on private properties. That includes being mindful of conditions like uncovered trash, bird feeders, yard waste and feeding pets outdoors.

Several residents expressed frustration and said they feel they’ve done everything they can do to keep the rats away.

“My neighbors keep up their homes and so do I. I would love to have a barbeque in my yard, and we’ve been unable to do that for four years,” said resident Liz Goodwin.

Some neighbors said they’ve been dealing with an increase in rat sightings for several years. Others told Boston 25 News that the problem started just this summer.

“I can’t even use my yard. I’m afraid to go out at night. I won’t even go to my rubbish barrel,” said resident Maria Berardi. “Now I can’t even open my door because they’re coming right to my door!”

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Berardi and other neighbors said they’ve paid for pest control and have seen no results.

“The bait boxes, I just checked on one of them, and it’s sideways. They’re so big, they’re knocking them all around to get out of them,” Berardi added.

Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur told Boston 25 News that the city is working on a more concrete plan to tackle the dilemma.

“I sympathize 100% with the concern and the frustration, and we’re getting to work on it,” Brodeur said. “It’s a public health issue, and we really want to get our hands around it.”

Brodeur isn’t exactly sure what’s contributing to what some describe as a surge in rodent activity. He speculated on two potential contributing factors: all of the rain we’ve been getting this summer and a new MBTA rail bridge that’s creating vibration.

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