Thanks, I think, to a reader for sending this very unpleasant video from 16th, New Hampshire and U Street, NW.
From the files of I will not bear this burden alone so if I had to watch it, well, to the video! If you dare: (more…)
rats
From the office of Councilmember Henderson:
“On Monday, June 22, Councilmember Henderson introduced the Rodent Education and Management Yields Results (REMY) Amendment Act of 2026. The bill targets eliminating food sources for rodents while protecting residents from health risks associated with untrained application of rodenticides. (more…)
“A rat in DC’s Kingman Park neighborhood is captured by the remote monitoring cameras deployed for research. Photo by Dr. Rebecca M. Gooley of WISDOM Good Works.”
“Dear PoPville,
Rats have been a hot topic in DC—from DC Health’s rat blitz to a swelling rodent population driven by climate change.
The DC Responsible Rat Management coalition just launched a year-long study in Kingman Park testing two approaches tailored to residential neighborhoods, including fertility control.”
From a press release:
“The DC Responsible Rat Management coalition has launched a year‑long study in the Kingman Park neighborhood to evaluate two strategies for reducing urban rat populations. Led by wildlife biologist Dr. Rebecca M. Gooley, the study tests a new rodent contraceptive alongside improved waste‑management practices.
In May, researchers began treatments across selected alleyways. Over the next 12 months, the research team, in coordination with a group of community volunteers, will track fertility control bait consumption and rodent sightings using remote sensing cameras. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Anyone have advice as to how to make the rats more “Fully committed to the trap?” My old rat zapper actually worked well. The new model – sadly total fail.”
Ed. Note: When my wife finally let’s me run for City Council HIGH on my platform will be ensuring the abundance of Foxes, Hawks, Eagles, and of course Black Rat Snakes. Also, please remember to vote for current candidates – you should have (or will soon) received your primary ballot in the mail.
“Dear PoPville,
Spotted on Columbia Road and 16th Street, NW at 11:45pm earlier tonight (Wednesday):
A fox returning to pick up what looks like a dead rat after being scared off by a passing pedestrian. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Last week, several residents (in Adams Morgan) were woken up in the wee hours by a ferocious commotion: dog/owner rat patrol. You have likely read in the Washington Post about this group in Adams Morgan that goes out at night as a cadre and siccs their dogs on the local rats. As an idea it seems useful, but in reality it is a frightening event that is neither good for the dogs, nor useful for the residents. (more…)
Mayor Bowser writes yesterday:
“NEWS: We’re launching a new pilot program to fight rats in DC.
This spring, we’re combining baiting, tracking powder, & an innovative fertility suppressant to target the rodent population. (more…)
Either we release WAY MORE hawks or…
From the office of Councilmember Christina Henderson:
“Yesterday, Councilmember Christina Henderson introduced the Public Trash and Recycling Container Budgeting Act of 2026. This bill would require proactive budgeting for replacing public trash and recycling containers around the District by including the cost of modernizing trash containers in future capital projects.
“We need a different strategy when it comes to waste collection in our public spaces. Between overflowing containers due to infrequent collection and the current design of our containers – which does nothing to deter rodents or illegal dumping – our public waste problem is quickly becoming a public health problem,” stated Councilmember Henderson.
Currently, the District’s standard container is called a Victor Stanley SD 42 which does not have a lid or rodent resistant liner. (more…)
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Thanks to Brendan for sending this great shot from Petworth:
“I was outside grilling Saturday evening, when I heard commotion in the alley beside our house and the noise of flapping wings. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
This is what the Marion Barry Environmental Design Award–winning planters/barricades at New York Ave and N Street NW, has turned into now. It’s basically a full-on smorgasbord for the rats of DC. (more…)