Credit: John K. Thorne
Newtown Borough has a rat problem. And it has been confirmed by the Bucks County Health Department.
The county department has worked with the borough in recent months to look at reported mice and rat infestations and issued letters to advise the public.
A 53-year resident of Jefferson Street told Newtown Borough Council on Wednesday that her home has been damaged from rodents that have eaten through her carpet, house plants, and numerous electrical wires.
“This is a big problem,” she said. “I’ve heard of other people having the problem.”
The resident, who has had to pay for rodent treatments, said she believes her former neighbor’s backyard chickens contributed to the infestation.
The resident told the council the “big problem” has left her up in the middle of the night banging on the walls to scare the furry rodents, which she believes to be rats.
Council President Emily Heinz said the borough was first made aware last August from residents on Washington Avenue that there was a rat problem. The borough worked with the county, which let residents know of the issue via a letter.
Residents have complained about rats at their homes and even a dead rat being found on the street.
After consulting with county health officials and the borough’s existing ordinances, borough officials began cracking down on violations that may lead to infestations.
Heinz said that the county health officials stated to her that keeping chickens may contribute to rodent problems.
Any potential ordinance would not impact current chicken owners in the borough, but it could apply to future owners, Borough Solicitor Gregory Heleniak said.
Heinz expressed her preference for controls rather than a complete ban.
Council Member Kris Bauman described the situation as a “serious rat problem” that is being exacerbated by chickens. He advocated for a ban on the introduction of more chickens.
Council Member Julia Woldorf warned that delaying a chicken ordinance could lead to more residents getting backyard chickens before any action could be taken by the town’s governing body.
The council will look at Langhorne Borough’s backyard chicken ordinance as part of the exploration process.
The council had mixed views and Heinz urged members to give the issue consideration. She noted it would be discussed next month.
The Bucks County Health Department issued the following tips for residents dealing with rodent issues:
- Store firewood and building materials at least 18 inches above ground
- Clean up pet feces daily and do not compost pet waste on the property
- Bag and dispose pet waste via regular trash disposal
- Store dog food, bird sued, etc. in rodent proof containers
- Remove pet food and water bowls after use and do not leave pet food out overnight
- Keep trash and garbage in covered containers
- Cease bird feeding activity if rodent activity is observed
- Maintain compost piles by thoroughly mixing and turning them over weekly
- Keep yards clean, lawns cut on a regular basis, and remove brush/tree debris Fill any holes noticed throughout property for monitoring
