The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) announced measures designed to better control rodents in Chicago, including the creation of a new Rodent Task Force and the addition of 10 new crews to the Bureau of Rodent Control. The new crews – which have nearly doubled over the last two years – will ensure all requests are addressed within five days of receipt. The new crews are in addition to the five crews the City redirected to Rodent Control in 2015. At the request of the Mayor, the Department also announced the creation of a new Rodent Task Force. The Task Force will be comprised of various city departments and sister agencies that will work together to more strategically tackle the issue of rodents throughout Chicago. The Task Force will implement coordinated abatements, enforce new construction pre-baiting and identify additional resources to assist high complaint areas. In 2015, DSS also began implementation of the “New Construction Site – Rodent Abatement Ordinance” that mandates a rodent abatement plan be maintained throughout the excavation process of any new construction within City limits. These efforts will continue in 2016. For more information on rodent control services, call 311 or visit www.cityofchicago/DSS.