Rat sightings in Beachwood prompt action and awareness from borough
News 12 viewers shared recent videos and photos of rats in the region. Some locals say it's been an ongoing issue, while others say they just started noticing the rodents several weeks ago.
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After several reports of rats in communities along the Toms River in Ocean County, the borough of Beachwood wants locals to know what to do if one is spotted on their property.
News 12 viewers shared recent videos and photos of rats in the region. Some locals say it's been an ongoing issue, while others say they just started noticing the rodents several weeks ago.
The Ocean County Health Department says rats can become a health concern if no action is taken. Beachwood shared an informational flier on its social media pages instructing residents to report what they have seen to the code enforcement office or the Ocean County Health Department.
“We were sitting at the fire in the backyard and we saw two, what looked to be rats, running across the backyard. Last year we caught one in one of our Have-a-Heart traps and released it and it looks like they're getting under our deck in our backyard,” said Eve Phelps, of Beachwood.
“I saw a big rat that was the size of a Yorkie and it was going through someone's bulk trash they had left out,” said Michael Lopez, also of Beachwood.
Beachwood and the Ocean County Health Department recommend elevating backyard gardens, removing bird feeders, sealing any openings of crawl spaces and foundations and never leaving pet food outside.
