Administration points out causes of rat invasion

Administration points out causes of rat invasion, Issue 17, Kaitlyn Baldwin, News - By Kaitlyn Baldwin on Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 03:26

Most Whittier College students have either seen, heard of or given some thought to the rat problem that developed after winter break in the Harris B dorm building. It caused much covert chaos around campus these past weeks as Facilities, Residential Life and Harris residents have come together to take care of the problem before the rodents infested any more buildings.

In January there were several reports on the findings of rat nests and droppings along with sightings of the actual rats. This resulted in sophomores Julieanna Pinto and Rebecca Cruces being relocated to Wanberg Hall as their room had the most damage from the infestation. From there, Residential Life brought in the Department of Public Health to make a checklist of everything that needed to be changed in Harris to make it completely habitable and safe.

According to Director of Residential Life Delaphine Hudson, the work done by facilities was deemed effective. “I know facilities worked extremely hard to close up holes and cracks in the walls,” Hudson said. “Facilities went through and rectified everything on the checklist given to us by the Department of Public Health.”

The main cause of the infestation of rats, according to the Department of Public Health, was food and garbage that is left open and exposed for their detection and consumption. Their Practical Guide to Rodent Control states, “the routine storage of all garbage and rubbish in rodent-proof containers is a vital aspect of any rodent control program. A sufficient number of receptacles must be provided to hold all garbage and rubbish that normally accumulates between collection days.”

Many students will readily admit to the more filthy nature of the Harris buildings. “There is always stuff left around in the lounge and kitchen,” sophomore and Harris B resident Jaco Lau said.

As there are open kitchens in each one, many times it is filled with dirty dishes or half eaten food. This is one of the main reasons Hudson believes the rats came in the first place.

“There haven’t been any more reports of rats since Facilities has gone through and done everything on the checklist, but it’s February now and still cold outside,” Hudson said. “Students should keep food in sealed containers and please do not leave food out, especially now that we have the problem under control.”

Vice President and Dean of Students Jeanne Ortiz was also impressed with the efforts being made by facilities and students alike. “I spoke with Tea Bogue, the Harris AC, and Danika Baptista, a Harris R.A. yesterday,” Ortiz said. “Both confirmed that since significant efforts have been made to educate students about the way that lifestyle decisions (e.g. leaving food out in opened containers, not cleaning dishes, leaving clothing on the floor and propping the exterior doors) and Facilities Department have addressed openings in the buildings that could attract rodents, there have been no reported problems. I know first-hand how disconcerting having rats in your living environment can be, so it is wonderful to know that residents and Facilities are each doing their part to reduce the potential for infestation.”

Residents of Harris vary in their opinion of whether the problem has been completely solved.
Signs have been put up in all dorms to warn of the things that attract the infestation of rats and how their infiltration can be eliminated or at least reduced.

“I haven’t seen any trace of them since Facilities came in and cleaned the place out,” Resident of Harris B sophomore Jaco Lau said. “Our R.A.s have been stricter about leaving food out and not washing our plates.” The general consensus is that this problem needs to be a joint effort to continue to keep buildings free of infestations.

“Our students need to take part in helping us out, it has to be a collaborative effort across campus,” Hudson said.