April 23, 2025
Cranston continues to fight against rodents, and the city needs your help! Please use the below resources to help combat rodents in your home or place of business.
The Department of Public Works has a program that addresses rodent problems throughout the city. Any resident with a rodent problem within the exterior of his/her property should call the Rodent Control Officer at (401)461-1000, ext. 3175. The property will be inspected for rat proofing and then baited if necessary.
Rodent Prevention Tips
- Keep all garbage in sealed containers
- Clean up animal waste, bird food, and other potential food sources
- Remove debris near buildings and yards
- Keep grass and shrubs trimmed and well kept
- Seal or close off openings in your house and shed
- Remove potential water sources from your property
Five steps to help with rodent prevention
To control rats, you have to remove everything they need to survive: food, water, shelter and ways to get around.
Step One: Look for Evidence
Step Two: Clean Up
Step Three: Starve Them
Step Four: Shut Them Out
Step Five: Wipe Them Out
A full packet with more in depth information and advice for Rodent Control and Prevention can be found HERE
Enforcement
When the City inspects private properties for rats the property will fail if any of the following signs are found: Live rats, Rat droppings, Burrows (places where rats live), Gnaw marks from rats’ teeth, Tracks or runways (such as rub marks or flattened paths outside burrows), and Excessive garbage or clutter that gives rats a place to hide.
In accordance with the city's Rodent Control Ordinance and Bird Feed Resolution, no person shall place more than one bird feeder per property in an effort to limit food sources for rodents.
Persons placing more than one bird feeder per property shall be considered creating a nuisance and shall be fined no less than $50 per offense.