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Health officials say Quincy rat population is soaring

QUINCY, Mass. — Rats. That’s what residents in Quincy say they are dealing with in record numbers.

Quincy Public Health Commissioner Andrew Scheele says the rodents were spotted all around the city starting last summer.

"We have had a real influx in rats,” he said.

The biggest reason for the surge in the population was last winter’s record snow fall.

“We had bait stations that were covered under 4-5-6 feet of snow for about 12 weeks,” Scheele said. "A rat lives between 6-12 months and a female rat can have up to 4-7 litters."

Quincy isn’t alone – The entire Northeast is seeing a surge in the rat population.

“It’s pretty bad,” Scheele said. “Boston particularly, NYC is bad.”

Officials say baiting has proven effective, but one of the best ways everyone can help is by picking up their trash and limiting their food supply.

“They only breed when there is a constant supply of food,” Quincy City Councilor Brian Palmucci said.

City leaders say the rats have and will always be there, but they've heard a pest control company to help with the surging population.