Rodent Fertility Control Study

What is the Rodent Fertility Control Study (RFCS)?

The Cities of Cambridge and Somerville are launching a two-city field study to assess how well a non-toxic rodent fertility control product, called Evolve, will work in dense communities like ours to reduce the overall rat population over time. We hope to learn how this product can be effectively used and how effective it is in different neighborhoods.

The study will target several areas around the Cambridge/Somerville area. The study will run for 8-12 months, from summer 2024 to early spring or summer 2025. Have questions about the study? Read our FAQ page.

Residential Study Areas

For our residential outreach in this study, we are currently seeking residents to participate in the Hoyt Field area of Cambridge and the Lincoln Park area of Somerville. If you live within one of these locations, you are eligible to participate in our study and can enroll via this consent form.

If I do not live in one of these areas, how can I participate? 

  • Join our field team.
  • Create your own residential group: If you and your neighbors would like to participate as a group, we may be able to create a study site in your neighborhood! At least 15-20 properties in close proximity to one another must be involved. If this is of interest to you, please email [email protected]. 

Enroll in the RFCS

Have you received one of our study flyers, or do you live in one of the study areas listed above? Property owners can sign up to participate in this study by filling out a short consent form. Participating properties consent to allow workers access to their yard for inspections and bait placement.

Join the RFCS Field Team

Interested in volunteering to support our study? Sign up to join our field team using this interest form. Field Team members must participate in a mandatory three-hour training session held by the Cambridge Public Health Department alongside the Cambridge Inspectional Services Department. 

How to Report Rodent Activity

This web page is for forms and information related to the field study of fertility control products for rats in Cambridge and Somerville.

For pest control services, go to the City of Cambridge Rodent Resources. To report a rodent sighting, Cambridge residents may submit a ticket on SeeClickFix, or call 311. Somerville residents may call 311 to report a rodent sighting. 

 

Updated: November 18, 2024