WAUKESHA — A Waukesha resident reached an unusual milestone: catching his 40th rat this year.

While rats have been a problem on his property for the past two years, Scott Boris said rodent numbers have increased significantly in 2024.

“You can hear what sounds like squirrels digging, so we walk the rats with my flashlight,” Boris explained.

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Footage from surveillance cameras installed in his garden showed rats digging near his property in recent months.

Every day before work, Boris tries to catch rats using various baits, including peanut butter, hot dogs, and now bacon grease.

Watch: Waukesha residents, business owners concerned about rat problem

Neighbors are fed up with the rat problem in Waukesha

“I’m trying to make the community understand what we’re facing,” Boris said as he showed his trash can to a neighbor. “I opened my lid and there were two lying there.”

Boris is not alone in his frustrations. Many Waukesha residents voiced their concerns online, sharing stories of rats damaging homes, businesses and vehicles.

“They’re everywhere, especially around the river and Main Street,” said Jose Suarez, owner of Dave’s Restaurant in downtown Waukesha.

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Suarez has seen rats in the alley behind his business and keeps his doors closed to keep them out.

The city of Waukesha received 73 rat complaints in 2024, a decrease from 124 at the same time last year.

City officials said they educate homeowners on how to prevent rats, but it’s ultimately the homeowner’s responsibility.

The city recommends removing outside food sources, using tight-fitting lids on trash cans and emptying them regularly.

However, some residents say the city’s response is not enough.

“How many rats do we need to catch as a community every night to start crushing the population? » » said Boris. “I would like to see the city intervene more, or at least provide better guidance.”

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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