Rat Population Down By Half In Skokie: Village

SKOKIE, IL — The rat population in Skokie is down by more than 50 percent from last year,according to village officials.

August and September have historically been the busiest months for rat activity within the village, but recent data shows a more than 54 percent decrease in active rat control cases in Skokie compared to 2024.

"Skokie’s progress in reducing rat activity is a community-wide success. By working together—residents, inspectors and contractors—we are reducing rat activity and making our neighborhoods less welcoming to pests," officials said in a statement.

To combat the rat problem, the village regularly conducts property surveys and inspects alleys to identify possible rat burrows or conditions that attract rats. The village also utilizes treatments and works with property owners to keep conditions under control.

Skokie has also expanded education about rats to help residents understand how small changes can help an entire block.

The village encouraged residents to continue to keep an eye out for rats and report when they're seen. Residents can take the following actions to help prevent rats:

• Keep reporting sightings to the Village. Reports allow staff and contractors to act quickly and prevent small problems from spreading.
• Seal garbage in Village-issued refuse carts and report broken or missing carts for replacement.
• Maintain your yard by trimming overgrowth, removing clutter and filling inactive burrows with stone or dirt.
• If burrows reappear, contact the Village at nomorerats@skokie.org for re-inspection and treatment.