AN ASSESSMENT OF RAT PROBLEMS AND
ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
IN THE
CITY OF GARY, INDIANA
JUNE 1971
BY GEORGE B. ELDER
DHEW REGION V ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION CONSULTANT
This assessment was made at the request of Mr. John Lawshe, Executive
Assistant to the Gary Health Commissioner, Dr. Herschel Bornstein.
The following Gary Health Department staff assisted in the field survey,
and provided valuable insight into local rat problems and related environ-
mental conditions:
Mrs. Helen Bogdanich
Mr. Barry Clodig
Mrs. Delores Harrison
Mrs. Sandra Holeman
Mr. Thomas Moeglin
Mr. Leo Pilla
Mr. Edward Plesko
Gary is a steel producing center, located at the southern tip of Lake
Michigan, and has a population of 178,000. Dwelling units are primarily
single, detached, owner-occupied, although low-rise multiple dwellings are
scattered throughout the city. Blocks generally have from 15 to 30 premises
per block and unpaved, drive-through alleys. Newer subdivisions do not have
alleys, and occasional existing alleys are not in use and overgrown with
weeds .
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The purpose of this assessment was to determine the extent of rat infesta-
tions, appraise related premises sanitation, reflect present rat control
activities, and make recommendations for improvement to the Gary Health
Department. A total of 83 randomly distributed blocks were selected
throughout the entire city to give a representative sample of all neighbor-
hoods and socio-economic areas. The citizens of Gary were friendly and
cooperative, thus permitting easy access to the premises. An average of
15 premises on each block was inspected with a total of 1,258 premises
actually surveyed. Ihe sewer system was not examined because local health
officials indicated that a. significant sewer rat infestation did not exist
and no rat infestations were observed near inlet structures.
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most common domestic rat, and
all rat signs observed in Gary were typical of that species. Common names
for the Norway rat are the sewer rat, the brown rat, the wharf rat, and the
barn rat. Adults generally weigh about one pound, and attain a, length of
approximately 17 inches from head to tip of tail. The length of life
averages about one year. A single female may produce approximately 37
young in one year. Ihe rat, essentially a ground burrowing animal, usually
lives in colonies outside buildings, although it may enter homes if at-
tracted by food and openings exist.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately count the number of in-
dividual rats in an entire city. Populations fluctuate considerably,
depending upon the availability of harborage, food, and tolerance by man.
The number of premises infested, however, can be determined by inspection.
Premises were jooged positive if active rat signs were observed during the
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survey. Burrows, the most common sign, have freshly excavated or hard-
packed soil near the entrances when in use. Other signs include fresh rat
feces, fresh gnawing, tracks and runways (rat paths), rubmarks, and live or
dead rats. Occasional signs of wild rodents, such as field mice, were ob-
served in wooded areas and vacant lots.
Ihe results of the sample exterior survey (see figures 1 through 3, pages
9 - U)indicate that:
1. A significant rat problem exists in the City of Gary and may be
expected to increase. Rat infestations were observed on at least
13% of the premises in Midtown, while Gary-West (Tollerton and
Brunswick) and the "small farms" area along 25th Street support
large rat populations.
2. Rat infestations are primarily associated with poor premises
sanitation, unsatisfactory refuse storage, poor housing conditions,
and low socio-economic status.
3« Considerable refuse storage and collection problems exist through-
out the city.
4. The Health Department is inadequately staffed and funded to provide
needed environmental improvements.
Rat food is plentiful throughout the City of Gary. Exposed garbage is avail-
able to rats on at least four out of ten premises in the Midtown area. On-
premises refuse burning was observed on at least three out of ten premises,
and "cooked" garbage oftentimes remained in the burner. Most garbage cans
either lacked covers or had poorly fitted covers. Many instances of
scattered refuse on the ground were evident. Approximately 20$ of the
premises had fewer than the recommended number of containers (2) on premises.
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The rat requires protection and hiding places, commonly referred to as
harborage. Seven key items are important as harborage and were recorded
during the survey. These items should "be removed to successfully control
rats:
1. Abandoned automobiles are an eyesore, provide rat harborage, and
tend to attract other refuse items. The chart on page 9 indicates
those premises which have one or more abandoned automobiles.
2. Abandoned appliances offer protection to rats and should not re-
main on the premises when no longer useful to the occupant.
3. Lumber strewn about or stacked on the ground is stored improperly.
Lumber accumulations of more than one cubic yard and stored less
than 12 inches off the ground were recorded.
k. "Other large rubbish" refers to large trash items not placed in
garbage cans but scattered over the yard. Examples are tires,
rubble, furniture, and dead plant material.
5- Dilapidated outbuildings that provide harborage and contain rubbish
were recorded. Well-maintained structures were not recorded.
6. Dilapidated board fences and walls were noted.
7. Weeds and grass more than 12 inches high, especially near garbage
storage sites and structures, provide harborage for rats and hide
refuse and rat burrows. Alleys generally were poorly maintained,
and weeds, grass and rubbish were commonly observed.
Rat-bite cases are seldom reported, and accurate records are not maintained
for the city. No estimates were available at the time of this survey. Rat
bites create a serious health problem and usually occur among helpless
infants and defenseless older persons.
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The Health Department has prepared an annual map of rat, housing, garbage
and illegal dumping complaints for 1970- The complaints received substanti-
ate the sample survey results. However, it appears that citizens may confuse
the destructive Norway rat with pest mice and native wild rodents in neigh-
borhoods containing numerous vacant lots and other undeveloped land.
Refuse collection is scheduled twice weekly and is picked up from the alley
in most neighborhoods. It is reported to be collected four times weekly in
the Model Neighborhood. The frequency appears adequate, partly due to the
on-premises volume reduction (burning) practiced by the residents. As in
most cities, the garbage cans are abused by the garbage collection crews
and residents. The city does not provide adequate collection service of
large rubbish. General Services currently has only two trucks collecting
rubbish and other large discarded items. A minimum of ten is necessary to
provide scheduled systematic collection for the city.
Refuse collection is financed out of general corporate funds. The refuse
is disposed of in an abandoned open-pit sand mine located in western Gary.
Private citizens are not charged if they bring refuse to the dump site.
Many illegal dumps exist in the city in undeveloped swampy areas and vacant
lots.
The Health Department rat control and residential sanitation budget is very
small, and no systematic rat control program is presently carried out. The
sanitarian responds to complaints, and sometimes provides anticoagulants
upon request. Neighborhood Youth Corps youngsters assigned to the Health
Department are involved in limited rat control during the summer months.
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Glen Park and the eastern portion of Gary are relatively rat-free, and al-
though generally well maintained, the data indicate poor refuse storage
and many instances of rat harborage.
The Model Neighborhood is visually depressing, with abandoned buildings
and automobiles, littered streets and alleys, vacant lots overgrown with
weeds, and supports a considerable rat infestation. At least one in four
premises inspected showed evidence of active rat infestations. A colony
living on one premises may spread to adjoining premises and thus have a
detrimental effect upon the entire neighborhood. This important aspect
of the urban environment appears to have been given a low priority in the
past. It is encouraging to note that a general cleanup of the Model
Neighborhood is planned. The Health Department and Model Neighborhood
staff have an opportunity to make considerable progress in improving the
appearance of the area and attack the rat problem.
The following recommendations are made regarding the rat problems in Gary:
1. A systematic rat control program should be implemented to eliminate
rats in Gary, and directed primarily towards infestations in Midtown,
Tollerton, and Brunswick neighborhoods, and should include:
A. A systematic comprehensive inspection of the entire area.
B. Reduction of the rat population inside and outside buildings
by poisoning.
C. Ratproofing to prevent entry of rodents into buildings.
D. Elimination of rat harborage and food supplies through neigh-
borhood cleanup programs and improvements in refuse storage
and collection.
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E. Spot clearance of dilapidated buildings in cooperation with
other community redevelopment programs.
F. Development and enforcement of adequate codes and ordinances
pertaining to refuse storage and control, general premises
sanitation and housing.
G. Training and employment of residents of rat infested areas.
H. Employment of a qualified vector control consultant to direct
program activities.
2. A community-wide information and education program is needed to
inform the citizens about the rat and its dangers. Residents must
be totally involved to successfully control rats and improve the
urban environment.
3. On-premises burning of refuse should be banned.
k. All rat bites should be reported to the Health Department.
5. The Health Department should promote a city ordinance requiring
the rat-proofing of all structures and removal of high weeds and
grass.
6. Inter-departmental cooperation and participation through staff con-
ferences and joint projects should be improved among agencies
directly involved in environmental programs. For example: DHUD
provides funds to city agencies for rat control under its con-
centrated code enforcement and redevelopment programs.
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References
Bjornson, Bayard P., H. D. Pratt, and K. S. Littig: Control of Domestic
Rats and Mice, PHS Publication 563, 1969
Fehn, Clyde F., Appraisal of Rat Problems in the City of Omaha, Nebraska,
1967
Littig, Kent S., et al, Urban Rat Surveys, 1971
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Figure 3
' Unapproved Refuse Storage
sgory and Neighborhood
Gary, Indiana*
June 1971
Midtown
Total** Model Cities
^ *
266 36
110 22
173 2k
2k 3
106 17
k3 k
Gary Gary
West South
165 166
82 ^3
28 17
39 5^
7 6
38 11
15 7
Totals
757
391
155
266
37
155
65
Number of premises with
Unapproved refuse Storage
Indicated by category***
Containers not rat-tight or
improperly used
Insufficient number of
containers
Refuse burning
Large drums in use
Refuse scattered on ground
Platform under containers
•^Categories not recorded in Gary-East
**Including Model Cities
***Premises may have one or more reasons for unapproved refuse storage
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