Springfield, IL Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Article IX of Chapter 95 (Public Health) makes rat control a standing property duty in Springfield. 185 requires that every building and accessory building within the department's jurisdiction be rat proofed and kept free of rats, either as a general matter or whenever the director of public health or a designee directs it. 186 backs that up with a notice procedure: once the director notifies an owner in writing that a building shows evidence needing rat proofing, the owner must begin work within seven days of the notice being mailed, or three days after it is personally delivered.

187 applies the same urgency to occupants: after written notice of rat infestation on the premises, the occupant must immediately start eradication measures and keep them up until the director confirms the building is rat free. 189 authorizes an environmental health inspector to periodically inspect rat-proofed buildings and issue abatement orders when new breaks appear. 190 bars anyone, owner, contractor, utility worker, plumber, or repair person, from removing rat proofing without restoring it or from leaving new unsealed openings. 191 extends the duty forward: any new construction, repair, or remodeling of a building or accessory building must leave it rat proof. 193 requires garbage, rubbish, and small dead animals that rats might feed on be kept in covered metal containers until collection.