The Township of Nutley, as well as other surrounding communities, has seen an increase in wildlife/rodent activity. The Nutley Health Department has employed several strategies for rodent/wildlife control and prevention, but the participation and cooperation of the community is imperative for continued success of these methods.

Rodent prevention begins with eliminating any potential food, water and harborage source for rodents, vermin and insects, as well as maintaining proper garbage disposal methods and receptacles.

Rodent attractions commonly found on residential property:

• Improperly stored trash and recycling
• Poorly maintained bird feeders
• Improperly maintained compost bins
• Stagnant water
• Wood piles
• Cluttered conditions
• Overgrown vegetation
• Animal waste

As per ordinance #614-13, every receptacle to be suitable for the storage and collection of solid waste must meet the following specifications:

1. Be made of rigid, durable material such as metal or heavy plastic.
2. Be of no more than 35 gallons' capacity.
3. Be solidly constructed with heavy-duty handles.
4. Have sturdy, tight-fitting lid.
5. Be in good repair, intact and in suitable condition to adequately contain any solid or liquid waste and to preclude spillage or leakage of contents.
6. Weigh not more than 50 pounds when placed for collection.
7. Not be made of paper or corrugated paper (paper bags and boxes) except that corrugated box may be used for dry, non-putrescible refuse provided that they are tied or sealed and protected from moisture which would destroy their physical integrity when lifted.
8. Be tightly covered, tied or sealed, intact without holes, creases or other breaks which will allow intrusion of rainwater or access to contents by dogs, cats, squirrels, raccoons, rats, birds or any other animal or vermin.

Residents need to be cognizant of the negative impact on the community due to laxed property maintenance and trash disposal methods.  As a community, if we remain diligent about the above, we can control the influx of wildlife/rodent activity.