Dearborn Launches New Program To Battle Rat Infestations

DEARBORN, MI — Dearborn launched a new program to battle rat and rodent infestations throughout the city, city officials said Tuesday.

City officials have partnered with the pest control company Orkin to deploy a "citywide subterranean rat prevention program," officials said.

Pest management professionals will place rodent bait in 460 locations throughout sanitary sewer lines that run under Dearborn. The bait is meant to kill rodents that flee underground, particularly during the winter.

The bait is placed well above the waterline and is monitored monthly by professionals. Fresh water lines are not treated. When used correctly, baiting does not pose a risk to the environment, non-target wildlife, pets, or people.

In addition, to facilitating subterranean baiting, Orkin will provide the city with a heat map identifying areas of infestation, data analysis, City-owned parcel inspections and more.

"Historically, Dearborn has faced challenges when mitigating rat infestations across the city during the colder months when rodents head underground to escape the weather. This new, multifaceted above and below-ground solution allows us to manage rat populations more safely and efficiently year-round," Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud said.