Chicago Rat Control Program Criticized in City Audit

A city‑level audit released by Chicago’s Office of Inspector General found the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s rodent‑abatement program unlikely to achieve long‑term control of rats. The audit, covering July 2023 – July 2024, said the Bureau of Rodent Control relied on case‑by‑case poisoning instead of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management approach endorsed by federal and state health agencies.

The report noted the bureau did not monitor root causes of infestations or set proactive thresholds, treating 311 complaints as the sole trigger for action. While the audit praised recent improvements, it emphasized that lasting reduction requires addressing sanitary conditions, community cleanup, and systematic monitoring. Rat‑related 311 complaints, which peaked at nearly 66,000 in 2021, have been trending downward since the pandemic, but the audit warns the current plan will not sustain that decline.

City officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, are urged to shift toward preventative measures and greater public participation to improve quality of life and public health.