Instead of poisons that harm our children, threaten our pets, and kill our wildlife, we encourage rodent management solutions that get at the root of the issue.


“Cities can creatively kill rats all they want – but the rats will keep making babies. They really need…proper securing of trash.”

- Gerard Brown, Program Manager, Rodent and Vector Control, DC Health

Walter was found lying on the sidewalk, unresponsive by a Good Samaritan who immediately brought him to City Wildlife. The vet discovered Walter had ingested a large dose of poison and probably would not survive. Nonetheless, the City Wildlife team provided treatment and pain meds to slow the internal bleeding. By day 4 of intensive care, Walter started moving around and showing signs of life, giving rehabilitators hope. Sure enough, the squirrel’s energy levels continued to improve and by day 21 Walter miraculously pulled through. On day 22, City Wildlife approved the release and Walter was returned home.

Meet Walter the Squirrel

Rodenticides Can Harm Anyone

  • Thousands of children ingest rat poison every year. In 2023 alone, over 28,000 under the age of 6 were accidentally poisoned by rodenticides.

  • Dogs, cats and wild animals can eat the poison–a veterinarian in DC reported attempts to save a poisoned pet can cost up to $8,000. Owls, eagles and other raptors can eat poisoned rats and die. 

What can you do?

Eliminate access to food and shelter for rats → Reduce rat reproduction → Less rats

Keep Food Away from Rats

  • No compost? Dispose of food in your garbage disposal

  • Hold off on taking trash out until pick-up day (rats are typically nocturnal)

Seal Your Trash Bin

  • Keep the lid closed shut —

    do not let the can overflow

  • Call 311 to replace a broken bin

  • Reinforce corners and lids with thick foil or metal

  • Spray bin/trash bags with a 10% bleach solution

Protect Your Home

  • Seal gaps in your roofs, walls,

    and foundation

  • Store food in sealed containers

  • Trim back hedges away from

    your house

  • Block rat trails by sprinkling cayenne pepper

Additional Tips

  • Prevent rat populations from growing by using contraceptive bait

  • NEVER use sticky glue traps - these also cause great harm

“9 out of 10 rat control issues come from poor waste management.”

- Gerard Brown, Program Manager, Rodent and Vector Control, DC Health