The Department of Public Health‘s Vector Control responds to complaints about rats in residences and public parks.
How
Call (215) 685-9000 or email health.vector@phila.gov if you see rats:
- Inside or outside your home
- In a public park
When you call or email, please tell us:
- The numbered street address where the rats were seen
- Your contact information, including:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
Vector Control does not handle complaints about businesses. If you see a rat in or around a food establishment, call the Office of Food Protection at (215) 685-7495.
The Health Department does not provide a service for mice inside homes. The National Pest Management Association has information on how to identify rats or mice.
After you submit your report
Inspectors from the health department will investigate at the address you provided.
Inspectors may provide treatment that same day if they decide that it’s necessary and accessible.
Inspectors cannot collect dead rats. They can recommend how to safely dispose of them.
Inspectors may give recommendations for keeping rats from entering the home.
Inspectors may return to the site later to check on treatment progress.