MEMO IN REGARDS TO RODENTS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 12-18-2023 CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
BOARD OF HEALTH
98 WASHINGTON STREET,37'FLOOR
SALEM,MA 01970
TEL. (978) 741-1800
DOMINICK PANGALLO health(a salem.com DAVID GREENBAUM,RS,CHO
MAYOR HEALTH AGENT
Memo to: Residents of Jackson Street,Jackson Terrace,Warren Street Court, Broad
Street, and Dalton Parkway.
From: David Greenbaum, Health Agent
Re: Rodents in the Neighborhood
Date: December 18, 2023
It has been brought to the attention of the Salem Board of Health that there is an increase in
rodent activity in this neighborhood. To alleviate and reduce this activity the Salem Board of
Health has retained the services of a Licensed Pest Control Operator and has been exterminating
the sewers in this neighborhood.
While rodents may never be eliminated there are some steps that residents can take to minimize
and control their population, including adhering to good sanitation and building maintenance thus
limiting rodents' access to harborage, food, and water. The Salem Board of Health recommends
that residents continue control measures on their own properties. These include:
• Limit food sources from vegetable and fruit gardens by picking the fruit before it ripens
and falls on the ground.
• Keep trash in covered, rodent-proof containers.
• Do not feed pets outdoors.
• Clean pet waste daily.
• Do not feed birds, particularly in the warmer months.
• Keep yards free from overgrowth and accumulation of debris.
• Keep all buildings structurally sound so that rodents may not enter them.
• Hire a Licensed Pest Control Operator to exterminate areas on private property where
rodents may be living.
Some residents may be concerned that pesticide use may harm outdoor pets. A Licensed Pest
Control Operator is specifically trained to apply pesticides in a way that targets rodents and
decreases the chance that pets or people will encounter them.
Homeowners may apply pesticides to their own property in certain circumstances, but they must
follow the labeled directions exactly. It is a federal offense not to do so.
Please call the Board of Health with any concerns or questions at 978-741-1800.
Thank you.