Skokie updates rat-control program, officials say cases have declined in two years

Mike Charley, director of Health and Human Services for the Village of Skokie, told the Board of Trustees the village is using a “data driven, integrated pest management approach” to reduce rat populations and address contributing factors across the village. The update included staffing, treatment methods, public education and regional coordination.

The presentation explained how the village identifies hot spots and treats burrow systems. Charley said Norway rats are the primary species encountered, that they generally stay within about 150 feet of burrows, and that a single female can produce large numbers of pups. He described field steps the village uses: survey and paint burrow openings, direct baiting of burrows, follow-up weekly by licensed contractors, targeted alley baiting and selective use of traps and other tools when appropriate.

Charley listed the staff and contractors involved: an environmental health supervisor (Cameron Hendricks), two environmental control officers (Derek Walker and Lillian LaSanta), additional health department staff who handle multifamily and commercial properties, and two pest contractors, Platinum Pest Solutions (primary) and Effective Pest Solutions (on standby). He said the village also hires seasonal interns to support field work.

The report put recent case counts in context. Charley said the program saw a peak of 431 open weekly cases in February 2024 and that comparing February-to-February numbers the village recorded a 53% decline to 203 cases in February 2025; current open weekly cases reported during the presentation were about 261. Charley described the overall trend as downward and said the village aims for “as close as 0” cases by March 1, 2026.

Board members asked questions about regional coordination, data sharing, and common contributing factors. Trustee Robinson suggested yard signs or a small placard with the top three resident actions and a QR code to report sightings; Charley supported wider public education. Charley and Hendricks said the three top resident actions are: stop ground-feeding and limit bird/platform feeders in areas with rat activity, rodent-proof or raise garden beds, and cut back overgrown vegetation that hides burrows.

Charley described enforcement tools and forms the department uses: a release form to allow staff or contractors onto private property, a door-hanger that communicates results of a property visit, and, when necessary, citations that generally produce compliance rather than fines. He also described targeted pilot work (bait stations plus traps and a contraceptive bait called Evolve) and selective use of other methods such as CO2 devices or sulfur “destroyers” in appropriate cases.

The village uses heat maps to prioritize operations and reported new cross-department efforts: property standards inspectors prioritizing hot spots in an initiative the staff called “Rattober,” public works prioritizing repair of damaged toters, and proposed cross-training so public works crews and other field staff can identify burrows and report contributing factors quickly. Charley encouraged residents to report sightings via the village website, email nomore@skokie.org or the rat hotline; “If you see a rat, report it,” he said.

Public comment on the topic included a critical statement from resident David Dalka, who said some problem locations and broken toters remain unaddressed and urged faster action. Charley acknowledged residents’ concerns and emphasized the village’s continuing, data-driven response. Mayor Anne Tennis and trustees thanked staff for the presentation and the report concluded with staff offering to follow up on specific constituent concerns.