West Des Moines, IA Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Subsection 4-4-2(I), 'Vermin Harborage,' declares a nuisance any condition conducive to the harborage or breeding of vermin, a standard broad enough to cover cluttered yards, uncovered refuse, and neglected structures that attract rats, mice, or insects. It works alongside two related provisions read from the same code: subsection 4-4-2(B) already treats an accumulation of rubbish, trash, junk, or salvage materials as its own nuisance, and § 4-5-7 separately requires that solid waste likely to attract flies, dogs, rodents, or other animals be drained of liquid, wrapped, and stored in a covered container until collection.

Failure to correct a vermin-harborage condition within twenty-four hours of a verbal or written notice from a peace officer or Community Compliance Specialist is treated as proof the responsible party knew the nuisance existed, under § 4-4-4(C). The City Manager or a Community Compliance Specialist may then serve a written notice to abate, and if the owner still does not act, the City can abate the condition itself, whether by cleanup, extermination, or removal of harborage materials under § 4-4-8(A), and assess the cost against the property for collection like a property tax.