Chicago officials say a billionaire hired workers to scatter “luxury” nuts in Lincoln Park, and the resulting food waste has drawn rat complaints. I read the city’s official notice, which stated that the property owner paid landscapers to spread the nuts as landscaping material, but the nuts instead became a breeding ground for rats.
The complaint, filed by Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation, says the nuts were intended to beautify the area but were not properly managed. “We’ve never dealt with a situation where it’s like feed for hire,” a department representative told The Cool Down. The city has ordered the landowner to remove the nuts and take steps to control the rodent population.
What this means for Chicago homeowners
Rats are attracted to food sources like fallen nuts, birdseed, and unsecured garbage. If you live near Lincoln Park or any green space where nuts or seeds are scattered, you may see increased rat activity. The city recommends securing trash cans, removing fallen fruit or nuts from your yard, and sealing gaps around your home’s foundation.
For homeowners dealing with other wildlife drawn to food scraps, you may want to learn how to identify wildlife tracks so you can tell what animals are visiting your property. If you have a shed or outbuilding where rats or other animals might hide, my guide on safely removing animals from sheds covers steps that work for multiple species.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
