Residents on the 1300 block of Garden, led by Kelly Ryan, are pushing to eliminate all streateries throughout town as a surge in rodents continues to climb. The group, started in November, has sought to join forces with the 1,000-strong Facebook anti-rodent coalition led by Councilwoman, Tiffanie Fisher. The efforts call out what many residents deem a lax effort by City Hall to take control of the infestations. The last city-based action was two years ago when the city approved an extermination contract valued at $44,000 with Union City-based Paramount Pest Control. Additionally, Hoboken had upgraded its 12 public composting sites throughout parks with secure wooden sheds and increased lighting with treating sewer inlets with bait mixtures molded into paraffin blocks. Rats have become a problem with continued residential and commercial construction throughout the city.
Adding to the stinky situation is a cadre of skunks, a group of which had to removed from the municipal parking lot on 9th and Willow. Both rodents are most active during dusk and dawn. Addition steps to curb what has become a health concern among residents and officials alike:
Vegetated Areas: The City is also treating rain gardens, planted curb extensions, and certain areas of municipal parks, including the waterfront walkway, experiencing rodent activity with enclosed rodent bait boxes. The number and frequency of service for baiting stations along the South Waterfront was recently increased due to rodent activity near the Post Office. The City maintains these areas by mowing grass and removing weeds or overgrown vegetation that could otherwise become habitat for rodents.
Construction: Hoboken Engineering and Construction Code officials are requiring rodent control before construction mobilization and site disruption begins, throughout the work duration, until all equipment and materials are removed. As part of their road opening permit or building permit, contractors will need to show written proof of a pest control contract with a licensed pest control operator (PCO). Tasks for the PCO include: a documented baseline (pre-construction) survey of rodent activity and sanitation measures on both the proposed work site and observable areas nearby; installation of treatment such as bait boxes at the site perimeter and trailer/storage locations; subsurface baiting of manholes if utility work is included; and weekly inspections for sanitation conditions and rodent activity (more often if activity is found).
