City of New Bedford speaks on rodent infestation near Shawmut Ave.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The City of New Bedford has implemented measures to combat a rodent infestation near Shawmut Avenue on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, the City of New Bedford received reports of rats near Shawmut Avenue.

According to the city, the rats originated from a waste transfer facility owned by Harvey Waste and Recycling Services, which had a fire on May 14.

Harvey Waste and Recycling Services has been instructed to set up at least 40 bait stations and 30 snap traps across the property, which will be checked twice a day; fumigate burrows across the property, collect rat’s remains in the area, and cover all expenses related to remediation, according to the City of New Bedford.

Nearby businesses have been contacted by the Health Department to eliminate possible food sources, and may be contacted by Harvey’s pest control contractor regarding rat infestation issues.

In the meantime, the area of Shawmut Avenue between Nash Road and the entrance of the New Bedford Regional Airport is closed. Anyone who needs to reach the airport is instructed to use the Downey Street entrance off Mount Pleasant Street.

The Airport’s playground is closed as well.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is investigating how the rats were released from the facility.

The Department of Public Infrastructure will conduct street sweeping if required.

Anyone who sees a rat is asked to call the Health Department at 508-991-6199.