WAUKESHA — After a Waukesha neighbor told TMJ4 he caught his 40th rat in 2024, others began telling similar stories.

Neighbors, homeowners and business owners have reported seeing rats, with some describing rodents digging through brick walls.

“I’m trying to get the community to understand what we have,” said Scott Boris, one of the residents. He showed his trash can to a neighbor, saying: “I opened my lid and there were two lying there. »

Reece Field, a licensed trapper in Wisconsin since 2011, also contacted TMJ4 after seeing the story. Field, who lived in Waukesha, said the rat problem has gotten worse in recent years.

“Over the last two or three years, there has been a significant increase in the number of rats, unlike anything I’ve seen before,” Field said. “I don’t think people realize how serious it can be.”

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Field said rodents can not only destroy homes and cars, but also pose a health risk.

However, city data shows 73 complaints about rats have been filed so far this year, compared to 124 during the same period in 2023.

TMJ4 Waukesha County reporter Kaylee Staral went to City Hall Tuesday after neighbors asked for help.

The director of the city’s community development department was in a meeting and the mayor’s office said no one was available for an interview Tuesday.

Watch: Local trapper shares rat risk as more Waukesha neighbors speak out

Local trapper shares rat risk as more Waukesha neighbors speak out

“If nothing is done, they will overrun a town like here in Waukesha,” Field warned. “This should be more of a concern to people. I think the city should have a team of people like me who specialize in this area.

Field said it’s in everyone’s best interest not to delay good pest control, even by offering its own services. The field can be contacted at [email protected].

In addition to hiring pest control services, the city recommends removing outside food sources, using tight-fitting lids on trash cans and emptying them regularly.

The city keeps track of all complaints and sends letters to affected neighborhoods. If people have any concerns, they can contact the city’s community development department.

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