Aggresive program to fight growing Warren rat infestation

WARREN (WXYZ) - The city of Warren wants to sink its teeth into a growing rat problem.

Mayor James Fouts has now started an 'Attack on Rats' program to aggressively reduce the population. Traps will be set up throughout the city. Residents can call the mayor’s office and the city will send out an inspector to determine whether a resident’s neighborhood is plagued with the problem.

If that resident’s property is infested with rodents, the city will hand them a free rat trap.

Mayor Fouts told 7 Action News it is important for residents get rid of them. He said they multiply fast.

The Macomb County Department of Environmental Health said Warren, Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, and Centerline have been dealing with the overpopulation. 

Official say drought has a lot to do with the increasing numbers. The rats are coming out of the sewers looking for other sources of food.

The county’s Department of Environmental Health added the rats are coming up from Detroit. 

7 Action News has some tips for you on how to take care of the rodent problem:

• Make sure your garbage cans are sealed. 
• Remove pet food and bird feed from outside.
•  Dog fecal matter is a big draw for rats.  It’s important to remove it immediately from yards.
• Get rid of abandoned cars or any where the rats can hide out.
• Fill cracks bigger than a quarter in buildings so the rodents don’t squeeze inside.