Boston City Council held a hearing on Thursday to unveil a plan targeting the city’s growing rat problem. The proposal includes installing sound‑detecting sensors in the sewers of the North End, Chinatown and South Boston, and placing rodent‑resistant trash dumpsters at Boston Housing Authority development sites, along with new trash receptacles in city parks.
City officials, including Lexie Gross and Ed Flynn, said the measures are intended to identify rodent activity early and prevent waste from attracting pests. The sensors will monitor sewer activity, while the upgraded dumpsters are designed to keep rats out of trash.
The hearing follows resident concerns that rats are seeking shelter as winter approaches, prompting the city to expand detection and waste‑management strategies.