Boise Suburbs Weigh Health Emergency Over Rat Explosion Along 1,000 Miles of Canals
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Boise Suburbs Weigh Health Emergency Over Rat Explosion Along 1,000 Miles of Canals
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Health officials in Idaho's Treasure Valley have floated declaring a public emergency as rat infestations surge across Boise-area suburbs.
More than 1,000 miles of irrigation canals and ditches are helping the rodents spread through the fast-growing region, turning the water network into what residents call a rat superhighway.
Pest control operators report record call volumes, while local leaders are disputing who should take responsibility for an infestation that crosses city and district boundaries.
The problem gained wider attention after Eagle resident Jane Rohling began documenting daytime rat activity around her home in 2022, underscoring how deeply the rodents have moved into suburban neighborhoods.
Idaho's lifeblood canals are now 'rat superhighways.' Can old laws solve this modern plague before the 2027 legislative session?
With government action stalled, are homeowners facing a multi-million dollar health and property crisis completely on their own?