The Anne Arundel County Department of Health undertook community surveys and studied Brooklyn Park neighborhoods to determine how to eliminate the rodent problem efficiently and effectively. DOH staff went door to door to more than 5,300 residential properties to look for signs of rodent infestation and provide information about how to properly dispose of trash so as to not attract rodents. Free licensed pesticide application were provided, if needed. The County also provided each single family dwelling with free state-of-the-art trash receptacles to store trash between pick-up days in a secure way that prevents rodent access.
To deal with rodents attracted by trash and refuse at commercial properties, such as restaurants and supermarkets, the Department of Health inspected 270 commercial properties within rodent control areas for active signs of rodents. The first phases of property assessments were conducted from April through June 2017. Followup surveys in Brooklyn Park's Arundel Village, Brooklyn Heights and Bell Grove communities were conducted in 2018.
The Anne Arundel County Property Maintenance Code (PMC) requires that properties are maintained in a manner that is free from rodent harborage and infestation.
What are the signs of rodent infestation?
Evidence of one or more of the following conditions on a property:
- rodent droppings, runways or rub-marks on the exterior of the structure;
- rodent burrow holes, mounding of soil or tunneling under accessory structures;
- live rodents on the property;
- trash cans or other containers with holes or chew marks.
What can I do to help my community prevent future rodent infestations?
Each resident of the community is responsible for complying with the Anne Arundel County PMC. The educational materials distributed during the community survey and the attached table provide a summary of the PMC requirements for trash storage, exterior maintenance and rodent control measures.
How will PMC violations be handled once the community survey is complete?
Where a resident, after repeated attempts, fails to comply with a PMC requirement, enforcement will be undertaken by the Department of Health after the educational campaign and community survey is complete. A violation is determined to exist when an exterior condition exists on a property that contributes to rodent activity.
What if a resident fails to comply?
Failure to comply constitutes a violation of the Anne Arundel County PMC and is subject to the issuance of notices, citations and civil fines of $125 for the first violation; $500 for the second violation; and $1,000 for the third and any subsequent violations. Citations may be issued for each violation and for each day the violation continues to exist.
Where can I obtain more information?
Housing Protection Services Program
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-222-0056