Jason Edinger, a representative from the city Department of Health’s vector control unit, offered tips on controlling rats and mosquitoes at last week’s meeting of Take Back Your Neighborhood.
Edinger explained that investigators will come to houses to try to eradicate problems. In general, he said, people should place trash in tight containers to discourage rats. They should also clean up dog feces, a favorite of rats.
As for mosquitoes, people should remove standing water, a favorite breeding ground for the pests.
On a related subject, Edinger said his unit has used an insecticide to combat oriental cockroaches, aka waterbugs, living under manhole covers.
For information, call 215–685–9000.
In other news from the May 16 meeting:
• Lt. John Craig, of the 2nd Police District, mentioned a rise in thefts from autos and a decrease in burglaries. Residents can contact him at john.craig@phila.gov
• Catholic Community Services is looking for an individuals age 18–23 with previous involvement with child welfare to serve on its advisory board. Contact Mary Bell at 215–687–2773 or mbell@chs-adphila.org
• Rhawnhurst Naturally Occurring Retirement Community is looking for volunteers in the areas of grocery delivery, helping the elderly around their homes, serving as peer interest group leaders and weekly phone calls to homebound elderly. Call 215–320–0351, Ext. 5.
• Take Back Your Neighborhood will hold its annual Northeast Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Max Myers Playground, 1601 Hellerman St. The day will include food, drinks, entertainment and children’s activities.
There will also be a tribute to state Rep. Mark Cohen, who will be leaving office at the end of the year after more than 42 years on the job. Cohen lost the Democratic primary to Jared Solomon, the founder and president of Take Back Your Neighborhood.
• Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at Max Myers Playground. ••
