While the Chicago Cubs work on renovating the Friendly Confines, residents in the area say the work brought in some unfriendly guests.
Several Wrigleyville residents say the major construction project has led to an increase in rodents, particularly rats.
“We’ve had an influx of rats and rodents just scrabbling all over the neighborhood,” said resident and Wrigley Field neighbor Terie Kata. “Nothing like I’ve seen in the 23 years I’ve lived here.”
Some in the area say they’ve had to put out traps since the project began.
“The first night I put [a trap] out, it caught a rat-- the biggest rat I’ve ever seen,” said resident John Beribak.
Alderman Tom Tunney, however, says the city has done rodent abatement blitzes in the area and noted “requests for rodent control to our office and 311 have been minimal in the area surrounding Wrigley Field.”
“Residents experiencing rodent problems are encouraged to call my office right away,” Tunney said in a statement. “My office has and will continue to work with the Bureau of Rodent Control and the Cubs to address resident concerns.”
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The Cubs also said they worked with the city last fall to curb issues with rodents.
“Since then we have not received any additional complaints,” Cubs spokesperson Julian Green said in a statement. “Residents who are experiencing problems are encouraged to call the alderman's office and we are happy to work with the City to evaluate our collective efforts.”
But some residents say that’s not enough, with one group even starting their own feral cat program.
“The cubs should be good neighbors like they claim they are and take care and be concerned about their neighbors and the rats,” Kata said.
