Bloomfield Cracks Down On Rodent Activity: Here’s What Is Being Done

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield administrators recently held an online forum to discuss an ongoing battle to curb rat and mouse infestations in the township.

The forum on July 30 included representatives from the Bloomfield Department of Health and Department of Public Works, who outlined some steps being taken to address rodent activity, some “common misconceptions” about the animals, and ways that local residents can lend a hand.

Some highlights from the meeting included:

TARGETING HOTSPOTS – Bloomfield officials said their efforts include a data-driven rodent control strategy that uses GIS mapping to target hotspots such as Halcyon Park, Bloomfield Center, Broad Street and areas near the Newark border.

INSPECTIONS – Health inspectors have been conducting property checks, issuing about 160 notices of violation so far this year, and 50 summonses for failure to abate.

TRASH CANS AND CLEANUP – The township is reducing and relocating trash cans – particularly in public parks – and replacing older units with rodent-resistant receptacles. The town is also expanding street sweeping and managing vegetation in parks.

HOW RESIDENTS CAN HELP – Residents were urged to keep garbage cans covered, maintain their properties, avoid feeding wildlife and report rodent issues to the township.

Watch the public forum here, or view video footage below.

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