Philadelphia, PA Building Safety: Pest Control (2026)

Under the Philadelphia Property Maintenance Code (PM-309, PM-310), all premises must be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. The City of Philadelphia operates a dedicated rodent abatement program through the Streets Department's Sanitation Division. Construction projects must submit an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan prepared by a PA-licensed pest control company, including: initial site survey results, treatment plans, MSDS information for rodenticides, and a monitoring schedule. The Health Department's Vector Control program manages mosquito surveillance and abatement. PM-310 specifically addresses bed bug infestations, requiring landlords to remediate infestations in rental properties. Philadelphia's high-density row-home construction makes rodent control particularly challenging, as rats can move through connected basements. The city provides rat bait stations in certain neighborhoods and conducts targeted abatement campaigns. Residents can report rodent issues to 311. Trash management under the city's curbside collection system is closely linked to rodent control.