The City of Boston hosted the second-ever National Urban Rat Summit on Sept. 23 and 24, bringing together leading experts, academics, researchers, public health professionals, and municipal officials from across the U.S. and the world to discuss urban rodent-prevention strategies.
“Boston is a home for everyone—except rats. We’re proud to host the second-ever National Urban Rat Summit this September, where we will share our progress, hear directly from residents, and learn from other cities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu in a press release ahead of the summit. “Since we launched the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) in 2024, our rodent control team has been deploying new technologies to target rodent activity, better coordination of City services based on data and analytics, and tailored strategies to eliminate rodent populations in different areas. We look forward to bringing cities together to burrow under barriers, gnaw through nagging issues, and scurry toward solutions for the highest quality of life for our human residents.”
The summit focused on practical, evidence-based approaches to one of the most persistent challenges facing cities: managing and reducing rodent populations. Guided by the annual theme of innovation, collaboration, and data-driven action, the event also allowed cities to exchange the best practices for rodent prevention.
“The upcoming Rat Summit is an important opportunity to bring together experts, municipal leaders, researchers to exchange ideas and strengthen our collective approach to rodent management,” said John Ulrich, Assistant Commissioner of Environmental Services, Inspectional Services Department (ISD). “Rodent activity is a challenge that extends beyond city boundaries, making collaboration and the sharing of proven strategies essential. By learning from one another and building on successful practices, we can continue developing innovative, coordinated solutions that improve public health, enhance neighborhoods, and improve the quality of life for residents in Boston and communities across the region.”
Boston hosting the second National Urban Rat Summit reflected the city’s emergence as a national leader in urban rodent mitigation through the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP). Launched by Mayor Wu, BRAP is a coordinated, cross-departmental initiative that brings together more than 20 City departments, agencies, and external partners to address one of Boston’s most persistent urban challenges.
Since its launch, BRAP has hosted quarterly meetings with city departments and partner agencies to coordinate on rodent mitigation and build a citywide integrated pest management system; piloted innovative technologies, including sewer and surface traps in partnership with the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and Boston Housing Authority;
expanded integrated pest management practices while reducing reliance on traditional rodenticides; improved inspection, enforcement, sanitation, and construction coordination to address the root causes of rodent activity; installed rodent-resistant trash receptacles and advanced public education on proper waste storage and disposal; used data, mapping, and analytics to prioritize interventions and measure outcomes across neighborhoods; and strengthened partnerships with residents, businesses, institutions, and community organizations to support long-term rodent prevention.
“Through BRAP, we are focused on improving quality of life for all residents by reducing rodent activity and addressing the factors that contribute to it, including how we manage waste, keep public spaces clean, and limit access to food sources,” added Mike Brohel, superintendent of the city’s Basic City Services. “The 2026 National Rodent Summit builds on this work by creating a space for cities and partners to exchange ideas, share best practices, and strengthen collaborative approaches.”
