Plymouth, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Plymouth, particularly from the northwest side, are taking action against a significant rat infestation affecting their community. After discovering alarming levels of rat activity, they have come together to set traps, hire pest control, and press city officials for better solutions. With over 200 rats trapped and a private Facebook group growing in membership, community efforts are gaining momentum. Residents express health concerns and are calling for a more coordinated response from city management, as they prepare for a community forum to discuss prevention and solutions.
Plymouth – Residents of Plymouth’s northwest side have rallied together to combat a severe rat infestation that has been affecting their quality of life. The rat problem has prompted residents, including two city commissioners, to take various measures such as setting traps, hiring pest control services, and pressing city officials for a more robust response to the growing issue.
The extent of the infestation was underscored by local resident Ron Crowe, who initially dismissed his wife’s claims of rats in their Sunset Street garden. After setting up a trail camera, he recorded over 80 instances of rat activity in just one day. This alarming discovery led to community-driven efforts, with Crowe and other residents trapping more than 200 rats along Sunset and Auburn Streets. These efforts have fostered an increased level of community involvement, as neighbors unite to tackle the problem.
Another affected resident, Patty Jamison from North Harvey Street, confronted her fears when she spotted seven rats on her deck after her dog barked at them. Within a week, she and a neighbor trapped 17 rats. To further facilitate communication and coordination among residents, Jamison established a private Facebook group that has attracted over 150 locals sharing their experiences, frustrations, and tips regarding the rat situation.
During a city commission meeting on September 2, residents voiced their concerns about the rat infestation and urged city officials to take more significant action. In response, City Manager Paul Sincock indicated that the increase in rat sightings is likely due to nearby construction projects—such as the M-14 rebuild—that are disrupting the rats’ natural habitats, thereby forcing them into residential areas.
A recent ordinance passed in May aims to mitigate the problem by prohibiting ground feeding and requiring that bird feeders be elevated at least four feet to help deter rats from foraging in backyards. Despite this, Sincock admitted that the city’s resources for addressing rat infestations are limited, primarily focusing on educational outreach and preventive measures. This lack of robust intervention has left many residents dissatisfied, as they call for more comprehensive solutions, including financial assistance for trapping and a rodent mitigation plan specifically for large construction projects.
The predicament has become dire enough that local exterminators report being overwhelmed by the number of complaints. In the last month to six weeks, one exterminator noted an alarming total of 144 trapped rats across just 15 homes in the affected area. Residents are particularly concerned about the risks of disease transmission associated with rats and their droppings, especially for families with young children living nearby.
In light of the growing issue, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that residents take precautionary measures, such as securing food sources, maintaining clean properties, and sealing potential entry points to homes to ward off infestations. As Crowe pointed out, their community’s cleanup efforts have led to a noticeable reduction in visible rat activity—from nine or ten rats under their deck to just one or two. However, residents assert that they cannot solve this problem independently and expect the city to recognize the severity of the situation and provide effective leadership.
To discuss prevention tips and explore potential solutions further, a community forum is scheduled for September 27, where residents can gather to share ideas and advocate for actions to combat the rat problem effectively.
FAQ Section
What is the current rat situation in Plymouth’s northwest neighborhood?
Residents are facing a significant rat infestation, with reports of over 200 rats being trapped in the area. Community involvement has risen as neighbors take action to resolve the issue.
What actions have residents taken to combat the rat problem?
Residents have set traps, hired exterminators, and communicated through a Facebook group dedicated to sharing experiences and strategies. They also participated in city meetings to demand more action from local officials.
What steps is the city taking in response to the rat infestation?
The city has emphasized educational outreach and has implemented an ordinance prohibiting ground feeding and requiring bird feeders to be elevated. However, residents feel more comprehensive solutions are needed.
When is the community forum scheduled?
A community forum is scheduled for September 27 to discuss prevention tips and potential solutions regarding the rat problem.
Key Features of the Rat Infestation in Plymouth
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Extent of Infestation | Over 200 rats trapped by residents |
| Community Involvement | Private Facebook group with over 150 members |
| City Response | Limited to educational outreach and new ordinances |
| Health Concerns | Increased risks of disease transmission for residents, especially children |
| Upcoming Event | Community forum on September 27 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Plymouth Neighborhoods Unite to Combat Severe Rat Infestation
Michigan Records First Sighting of Asian Longhorned Tick
Michigan Lawmakers Push for Tenant Empowerment Legislation
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- WXYZ Detroit
- CBS News Detroit
- Devon Live
- Wikipedia: Rat
- Google Search: rat infestation prevention
- Google Scholar: rat infestation urban areas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rat
- Google News: plymouth rat infestation
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
