Rodent Awareness

Posted on: August 21, 2025 - 5:35pm

In conjunction with the Health Department, we are alerting residents to a recent increase in rodent activity in several neighborhoods throughout the area. This rise in the presence of rodents poses potential public health concerns, as rats and other rodents can carry diseases, contaminate food sources, and cause property damage.

Here are a few tips to help keep the City safe:

Trash & Composting Containers

— Secure all trash and compost. Use tightly sealed garbage cans and do not leave food scraps exposed. Make sure trash bags are contained in a metal or plastic bin for collection.

Bird Feeders

— Although leaving food sources for birds is a kind gesture, you're also feeding the local rodents! Food sources like bird feeders are notorious for attracting rodents and other pests.

Guard Your Garden

— With home gardens, be sure to harvest your crops as fallen produce can also be an immediate food source for rodents.

Tall Grass, Bushes, & Shrubs

— To find shelter, rats will make burrows into the ground. The presence of tall grass and shrubs make efforts to treat and identify burrows extremely difficult. Look to remove any unnecessary weeds, shrubs or grass where rodents make living spaces.

Bulk Items*

— Scan your yard for collections of bulk items such as: boxes, old grills, furniture, and other bulk items/equipment. Look to keep similar items off the ground and/or discard, as bulk items can create harborage areas for rodents.

Scan Your Home

— Scan the exterior walls of your home for any potential entry points. Rodents can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter of an inch.

Rodent control is a community-wide effort. We urge residents to stay vigilant and proactive in maintaining clean, rodent-proof homes and neighborhoods.

If you are seeing any signs of rodent activity, we urge you to contact the Newburyport Health Department at (978) 465 - 4410.

*Certain items and other unwanted objects may be taken to the Colby Farm Recycling Center on 23A Colby Farm Lane on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:15 PM to 2:15 PM. Here is a list of items that can br brought and fees associated with each item. For non-metal furniture, you can purchase a bulk waste sticker at Market Basket, Shaw's, Richdale Convenience Store, Black Duck Deli, and 7-Eleven for $15. You are only allowed to put out one bulk item per week.