CHICAGO — Residents in Chicago’s West Town community area are sounding the alarm over an out-of-control rat infestation at Dean Park — a small greenspace nestled within Wicker Park — as neighbors resort to DIY pest control tactics amid what they call a slow municipal response.
The infestation has become so bad that locals report daily sightings of rats at sunset, burrow holes across the lawn, and even vehicle damage from rodents chewing car wires.
“I try to enjoy my little patio area — but they’re just constantly running by,” said resident Joe Gustadt, who has turned his pest war into an awareness campaign via an Instagram page, Rats of Wicker Park.
West Town Among Chicago’s Rat Complaint Hotspots
The rat issue isn’t new, but it’s intensifying. According to 311 data from the City of Chicago:
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West Town had 2,038 rat complaints in 2024
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As of mid-2025, there have already been 862 reports — nearly halfway to last year’s total
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West Town ranks among the top rat-infested zones citywide, along with Logan Square and Lakeview
The community area spans from Bloomingdale Ave. to Kinzie St., bounded east-west by the North Branch of the Chicago River and Kedzie/Grand Ave., including neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, Noble Square, and River West.
At the center of the issue is Dean Park, located at 1344 N. Dean St., just southwest of Paulina and Beach Avenue.
Residents Resort to Unconventional Rat Control Methods
Locals like Michael Schorsch and Joe Gustadt have taken matters into their own hands:
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Stuffing burrows with sand
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Covering holes with wood
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Dropping sausages laced with contraceptive rat bait
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Digging up active nests themselves
Despite their efforts, the rodents return within days.
“It’s like they’re taunting me,” Gustadt said. “We’re not winning this war.”
City and Park District Response Falls Short, Residents Say
While Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st) has made personal visits and documented damaged trash bins, which are a major food source, citywide rat control ultimately falls under the Chicago Park District and Department of Streets and Sanitation.
A city spokesperson confirmed a rodent control operation at Dean Park is scheduled, but residents claim these treatments have already occurred multiple times without long-term results.
“They’ve come out twice last month. The rats are still here — every night,” Gustadt said.
Why Is Dean Park Such a Problem?
Residents believe the issue isn’t just food waste — it’s structural:
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Deep rat tunnel networks exist under Dean Park’s landscaping
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The park offers ideal nesting conditions with undisturbed soil and limited human foot traffic after hours
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No city agency has agreed to excavate or dismantle the nests, citing it’s not standard practice
A faded city sign nearby encourages:
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Keeping trash bins closed
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Not feeding animals outdoors
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Sealing pet waste
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Removing debris and overgrowth
But residents argue those efforts aren’t enough without aggressive intervention at the nest level.
Health & Safety Fears Rising
With children regularly playing in the park, residents are increasingly worried about health risks — not just from rat bites or feces, but also property damage.
“They’ve chewed through my car’s wiring before,” said Schorsch.
The issue mirrors broader concerns across Chicago, where rat-related complaints have increased in recent summers as warmer weather drives rodent movement and garbage management challenges persist.
Have You Noticed a Rise in Rats Near You?
If you live near Dean Park or in another part of Chicago facing rat problems, we want to hear from you. What solutions are working in your area? Drop your thoughts at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
