Baltimore's long-running rodent abatement program under Health Code requires property owners to eliminate rat harborage, secure trash, and cooperate with BCHD baiting. Citations are issued for repeat conditions.
Baltimore is among the most rat-infested US cities and runs an aggressive rodent control program through BCHD's Bureau of Environmental Health. Property owners must eliminate harborage (debris, dense vegetation, holes), maintain rat-proof trash storage with tight-fitting lids, and seal foundation openings larger than half an inch. BCHD inspectors bait alleys and respond to 311 complaints. Owners receive a notice of violation and are given typically 10-30 days to abate. Repeat violators face escalating fines and may be referred to the Environmental Control Board for civil penalties or housing court for criminal misdemeanor.
Civil fines $100-$1,000 per violation; criminal misdemeanor for repeat or willful failure; abatement costs become tax liens.
Baltimore, MD
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See how Baltimore's rodent control rules stack up against other locations.
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