Vector (Pest) Control

Evanston is committed to reducing pesticide use and promoting safer, more sustainable pest control practices. Since 2010, our Sustainable Pest Control and Pesticide Reduction Policy has guided how we care for City-owned and leased properties using methods like natural lawn care and integrated pest management.

This policy helps protect public health, support environmental sustainability, and increase awareness of safer alternatives for residents and businesses alike.

Explore the full policy and learn how Evanston is leading by example.

Committed to helping control the rat population by increasing public education and employing various treatment strategies. It's important to note that rats are present mostly due to human activities. Rats are a community-wide problem and require a community-wide solution. We have to modify our habits and behaviors in order to take away their food, water and shelter.

What does the City do?

We track and investigate 311 service requests and complaints; inspects alleys and properties for rats; and performs and contracts baiting and exterior treatment for residential properties (FREE for residential properties)

Why are rats on my property?

There are many things we can unknowingly do that helps contribute to the rat population, these are known as contributing factors:

• Garbage spilling out of dumpsters - Food Source
• Not picking up after our pets - Food Source
• Piles of wood and other debris directly on the ground - Protection
• Overgrown grass and vegetation - Protection
• Birdfeeders spilling bird seed - Food Source
• Open Compost bins - Food Source
• Throwing food on the ground for birds, cats, and other animals - Food Source
• Dumpsters and garbage containers in poor repair - Food Source

How can I prevent rats on my property?

In order to prevent attracting rats to your property, you need to remove everything they need to survive: food, water, and shelter

• Eliminate (and recycle) rubbish, boxes, scrap metal and other materials that give rats a place to hide
• Control weeds, shrubs and vegetation overgrowth, especially along foundations, that give rodents the means to move from location to location without being seen
• Keep food away. Don’t put food out for stray animals, and remove bird-feeders
• Manage garbage. Use durable, City-approved trash cans with tight-fitting lids
• Seal holes and openings in garage walls and doors
• Share this information. Tell your neighbors, tenants and landlords

In order for inspection and treatment to occur, residents must fill out the Release of Liability form (Printable Version) 

Other Resources

To learn more about how you can assist in managing the rodent population, please review the Evanston Health & Human Services Department's publication, "Controlling Rats," below. (Printable version) 

For more information, please review "Why Urban Rat Populations Are So Difficult to Control," by Dr. Robert Corrrigan, appearing in Pest Control magazine

How to deal with skunks in Evanston

Sometimes, wildlife can become a cause of concern for residents. Here are some of the basic things you can do to reduce a current problem or the chance of a future problem with a skunk on your property.

Preventing Problems

• Do not feed them
• Keep pet food and watering dishes inside, especially at night
• Do not allow spillage to accumulate outside bird feeders
• Keep grills and barbecues clean
• Do not keep garbage cans outside if possible (store in garage)
• Cover window wells
• Use welded wire to exclude animals from underneath decks, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs, and porches. Secure outside access to crawl spaces.

Skunks Living in Your Yard?

Common den and resting sites include abandoned woodchuck burrows, hollow logs, wood or rock piles, under buildings, elevated sheds, openings under concrete slabs and porches, and access to crawl spaces under houses.

Skunks love to eat grubs and will tear up part or all of a lawn looking for grubs. You should treat your lawn in the Spring and in the Fall with a grub killer.

Skunk Stuck in an Uncovered Window Well?

• Place a rough board at a 45-degree angle in the window well to create a ramp. If needed, wrap it with a towel or carpet for traction.

• Put fish-flavored cat food or Brie cheese at the top of the ramp to encourage the skunk to climb out. Skunks are nocturnal and may not leave until night.

• Alternatively, lower a 5-gallon bucket with food inside into the window well. Once the skunk enters, slowly lift the bucket to ground level and gently tip it on its side so it can exit. Avoid sudden movements and stay out of the skunk’s sight to prevent agitation.

The best way to prevent any mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 

Helpful tips:

• Avoid being outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and use EPA-approved insect repellent (such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) as directed. Consult a physician before using repellent on infants.

• Keep doors and windows tightly screened; repair any tears.

• Remove standing water from items like bird baths, gutters, flower pots, tires, and pool covers.

• Report stagnant water, flooded areas, or dead birds to 311. Dead birds may signal West Nile virus activity in the area

Please contact the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District (NSMAD) via email at nsmad@nsmad.com or call 847-446-9434 to report areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. Remember, if it can hold water, it can breed mosquitoes.

Bed bugs are not known to spread disease to humans. However, they're still a nuisance! The Health & Human Services Department has been receiving an increasing amount of phone calls regarding Bed Bugs. Our staff can offer consultation regarding the best means of treatment as well as how to avoid bringing bed bugs home.

Fact Sheets about Bed Bugs can be found here