Philadelphia appoints manager to tackle city's rat problems

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The city of Philadelphia is trying to tackle its rat problem.

Officials announced on Wednesday that long-time Health Department employee Adrian Jordan will now serve as Philadelphia's first-ever Rat Abatement Manager.

Jordan will be tasked with ensuring emerging and existing issues with rats are prioritized and addressed promptly, officials say.

Part of this effort will include door-to-door surveys in parts of the lower Northeast, including Oxford Circle and Castor Gardens to hear community concerns.

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Officials say the surveys will help them identify rat problems, even when no complaint has been filed. They say this will also allow them to promptly act to address the issue and provide practical guidance for residents on steps they can take to help reduce rats in their neighborhood.

"I've worked to fight rats in Philadelphia for more than twenty years, and I am looking forward to being able to work directly with colleagues from departments across the City to ensure that we are properly prioritizing this," Jordan said.

The city is also planning to launch a dashboard that they say will track resident contacts, complaints and properties serviced. That resource will be available on the city's website shortly, officials said.

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"Our One Philly approach is proving to be very effective when we bring multiple departments to collaborate to tackle urgent issues," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "The expanded approach starts today with the appointment of a dedicated rat abatement manager to lead the collaborative effort and launch an action plan that identifies the lower Northeast as the first target area."

This comes after Philadelphia City Council has unanimously approved a resolution earlier this month, calling on multiple city departments to coordinate efforts to address rat infestations.

Despite recent Action News reports about complaints, officials say they have found no documented rise in confirmed rat complaints.

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"Philadelphia residents deserve clean and safe blocks," said Carlton Williams, Managing Director. "By establishing a dedicated Rat Abatement Manager, we are strengthening our commitment to the basic services residents rely on every day."

The city also shared tips on ways to help fight against rats in Philadelphia:

• Don't feed the rats: keep trash in metal cans with tight-fitting lids.

• Don't let them hide: keep tall grass, bushes, garden rocks, and wood piles away from your home. Get rid of abandoned vehicles and appliances, where they can hide.

• Don't let them in: seal all openings that are bigger than a half-inch, including around pipes, in walls, and around and in windows and doors.

• Ask for help: call (215) 685-9000 if you see rats. Tell the city the street address where you saw them and give us your contact information.

Residents can also report rats on the city's health department website.