Rat Abatement Discussed By Wyckoff Officials

WYCKOFF, NJ — After several Wyckoff residents reported rodent activity on their properties to the township committee last week, Mayor Rudolf Boonstra and Board of Health President Dr. Steven Clarke released a video on Friday discussing possible causes and how to take action to abate the problem.

"It is probably a good chance it is from the weather and climate conditions," Clarke said. "We have been in a drought, and we had Hurricane Ida last year."

Boonstra agreed that the problem is likely weather-driven, and said that if homeowners could remove sources of attraction, such as food or water, it might help alleviate the rodent issue.

"We want to secure (the property) and make it uncomfortable for the rats," Clarke said, adding that the following are a few things a property owner can do to keep rodents away: Seal your garbage can, and make sure there is no bird feed is on the ground, or standing water outdoors.

Clarke also said that, while there are very few cases of rabies in rodents, to keep cats and dogs away, if possible.

In addition, Boonstra said to look for signs of rats to see where they might be living or perhaps congregating, including under sheds, and, if possible, attempt to trap them.

Boonstra and Clarke said they have walked door-to-door in the affected neighborhoods and offered homeowners information on the issue and on ways to deal with it.

"This (problem) is not unique to Wyckoff, but this is our concern because this is our community," Clarke said. "The town is not overrun, but we have seen the issue and want to address it before it becomes a bigger issue."