Team of rat-hunting terriers helps solve Bay Area city’s infestation problem

Amid news of a rat infestation in downtown Vallejo, an unlikely hero has come into play – terriers.

Known for their innate hunting abilities, these small furry friends have come to the rescue courtesy of Sacramento Canines’ Rat Annihilation Team, otherwise known as SCRAT.

Upon hearing the news of Vallejo’s growing rodent issue, SCRAT founder Emily Iniguez assembled a small group Friday night to scour the Vallejo Ferry Building after hours.

Between three terriers, “we caught 27 rats in about 90 minutes,” Iniguez said.

Emily Iniguez and Austin Isgitt showcasing 30 rats caught on Sunday night.

In response to the issue, last week, the City of Vallejo released a statement announcing the launch of a coordinated pest control abatement initiative, citing increased efforts to implement an “enhanced cleaning schedule.”

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Efforts include working with the city’s Public Works Department to increase the frequency of street sweepers in the impacted areas, improve sanitation, and implement rat traps.

According to the city’s pest control contractor, “the remediation techniques being implemented are highly effective, and residents can expect to see noticeable improvements within the coming week,” said the city in a statement.

Though the issue has spanned throughout downtown, areas that have received the most sightings include the Vallejo Ferry Building, JFK Library, the post office, and areas surrounding the former Georgia Street homeless encampment, cleared earlier this month.

Although they typically stick to the Sacramento area, Iniguez and SCRAT member Austin Isgitt made the decision to expand to Vallejo after seeing the recent news.

Iniguez thought, “You know what? I think we can do something about that” when seeing the recent news. Accompanied by her two pups, “Nora” and “Raven,” and Isgitt’s terrier “Creature,” they took to the building most recently popularized for its rat issue.

In just two visits to the Ferry Building last week, their team of mighty rat hunters has managed to catch and kill a total of 57 rats; 27 on Friday night and 30 on Sunday.

Left: SCRAT founder Emily Iniguez with her two terriers, ‘Nora’ and ‘Raven.’ Right: Austin Isgitt with terrier, ‘Creature.’ The two are pictured at the Vallejo Ferry Building showcasing the 27 rats caught Friday night.

Since then, SCRAT has received a stream of positive feedback on social media for its efforts to minimize the city’s rodents. Onlookers fascinated by the sight of three little dogs just tearing through the building’s rat population, seemed to be generally pleased with the poison-free approach.

The response from Vallejo thus far “has been massive,” says Iniguez. “It seems like everyone was really fed up,” said Iniguez. “I guess, about the Ferry Building, and then when they saw what we did. They were really excited and just happy to see the dogs out there.”

While public outcry surrounding the rodent infestation has gained some momentum recently, scoping out the space, Iniguez feels that the issue was perhaps long coming.

“Some of the rats are pretty cozy up there,” she laughed. “I’m assuming that it’s been a problem for a while.”

City staff will continue to closely monitor the situation and collaborate with the pest control contractor to ensure sustained progress. Additional updates will be provided as the initiative advances.