Crafton manager proposes targeted extermination program for Broadhead construction area

Borough Manager Mr. Price told council that a cluster of rodent complaints near Broadhead construction prompted staff to research options and offer a targeted, opt-in program for affected households.

"If we don't have direct evidence of very specific places, it's gonna be very difficult," Mr. Price said, explaining why the borough plans to distribute letters and have residents contact the borough within two weeks for an inspection. He estimated the borough's cost for covering treatment would likely be about $300 per house in the proposed group arrangement, and said a full-scale individual extermination visit could cost $500–$600.

Mr. Price said the approach is designed to focus resources where residents report problems rather than attempt a borough-wide extermination, which could be substantially more expensive. Council members asked whether the borough should proactively sign up all homes in a known impacted area; Mr. Price and others urged an opt-in system to control expense and avoid treating uninhabited or unresponsive properties.

If residents notify borough staff within the requested window, the contractor would do inspections and develop a group plan that should lower per-household costs. Mr. Price estimated the borough's total exposure for the focused approach would likely remain "a couple thousand dollars" rather than a large borough-funded campaign.

Council did not record a formal vote on an ordinance; the discussion concluded with staff directed to proceed with outreach and the inspection/opt-in plan.