Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP)

Boston is a home for everyone, except rats!

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The Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) is a citywide effort to reduce rodent activity to improve the quality of life for all residents. By identifying root causes and using data to drive decisions, we are better understanding rodent activity and the strategies that will truly make a difference for communities.

See something, squeak something! If you spot signs of rodent activity, report it to 311 — our teams will be on-site within 24–48 hours. Be part of the solution! To submit feedback or ask questions about trash collection practices, please email rats@boston.gov or fill out this feedback form.

Here's what we're focused on

Teaching folks how to be a good neighbor!

Learn how you can play a part in reducing rats in your neighborhood.

Listening to community feedback to help improve our trash collection system

Trash is the number one food source for rats, and with your help, we can explore new ways to limit their meals.

Rodent Action Plan report recommends

Strengthening Boston’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach by addressing root causes first.
Shifting from reactive 311 complaints to a proactive citywide model through the BRAP working group.
Using data to track rodent populations and guide investments in new technology.
Implementing infrastructure-specific controls for parks, sewers, alleys, and construction zones.
Adopting environmentally safe alternatives to second-generation rodenticides.