VIDEO: Giant Rats Infest Providence Neighborhood
Saturday, August 12, 2023
A group of more than a dozen giant rats in Providence can be seen in a video obtained by GoLocalProv.
Last week, Anita Villot filmed the rodents she spotted while riding in a car.
The rats were gathered at the intersection of Atwells Avenue and Valley Street in the Olneyville section of the city.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“I took it on the way to a restaurant on Atwells,” said Villot. “There were [actually] a lot more than that, but I was recording it right as the light was turning.”
Villot said she had witnessed dozens of large rats gathered.
“There were at least 100,” said Villot. “They were eating something on the ground.”
The lot is adjacent to a restaurant on Atwells Avenue.
“They were bigger than my kittens,” said Villot.
City on Rats
On Friday, the City of Providence said that residents concerned about rats should take proactive measures.
“Residents that want to make an appointment regarding rodent control are encouraged to connect with PVD311 online, by phone via 3-1-1 or through the app for 24/7 access,” said Josh Estrella, press secretary for Mayor Brett Smiley.
“The City offers rodent baiting to qualified Providence residents and provides detailed information about rodent prevention on our website,” he said.
“The City's baiting process is outlined on the hyperlinked pages and happens when an appointment is requested in all neighborhoods.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC){
"Rats and mice are known to carry many diseases. These diseases can spread to people directly, through handling of rodents; contact with rodent feces (poop), urine, or saliva (such as through breathing in air or eating food that is contaminated with rodent waste); or rodent bites. Rodents can also carry ticks, mites, or fleas that can act as vectors to spread diseases between rodents and people. Many diseases do not cause any apparent illness in rodents, so you cannot tell if a rodent is carrying a disease just by looking at it.
Infestation of rodents in and around the home is the main reason disease spreads from rodents to people. The best way to prevent a rodent infestation and contact with rodents is to remove food sources, water, and items that provide shelter for rodents. Learn how to eliminate a rodent infestation, prevent future rodent infestations, and prevent diseases spread by rodents."
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