News Release

For Immediate Release                 Contact:  Irene G. Warren, Director of Development

July 6, 2004                                                   (937) 374-5626 or 1-866-858-3588

Greene County Combined Health District and the City of Xenia
Announce Rat Elimination Program

(Xenia, OH) Mark A. McDonnell, Health Commissioner, and R. Micheal Puckett, Xenia City Manager, have announced a collaborative effort between the Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) and the City of Xenia to work with the residents of Richard Drive and the surrounding streets north of Dayton Avenue to eradicate the rat problem in this area.

A three-tier process has been designed to include education, inspection, and enforcement. Education: Each resident within the designated neighborhood will be receiving educational material concerning the removal of food, water, and breeding areas. Inspection: GCCHD will begin doing house by house inspections and consultations in conjunction with the City of Xenia starting Monday, July 26, 2004. Enforcement: GCCHD and the City of Xenia will be issuing violation notices to individuals who have not: removed breeding areas, exterminated rats, or removed rat food sources.

Residents should:

1) Remove food sources

    a. Dog food, cat food, and bird food

    b. Keep all trash in containers with tight fitting lids

2) Remove water sources

    a. Bird baths, empty containers, toys, tarps, and any other items than can hold collect water

3) Remove rat living and breeding areas

    a.  Tall grass

    b.  Brush piles

    c.  Stacked wood

    d.  Used and unused items stored on the ground

    e.  Repair holes and openings in houses and sheds

4) Call a licensed exterminator to aid in identification and removal of rats.