Rats, Alleys and Trash Carts: An Indianapolis Guide

A brown Norway rat sitting on bare ground, the rat that lives along Indianapolis alleys — A Norway rat. In Indy, it's usually living within a few houses of an alley.

Rats in Indianapolis follow the alleys. The neighborhoods built before the 1950s, on the near east side, the near south side and the older parts of the north side, have alleys behind the houses with detached garages, trash carts and whatever else ends up back there. That's what rats need.

A 2019 WISH-TV report on rats in Marion County put it plainly. Alleys with open trash cans, old furniture, overgrown lots and empty houses give rats everything they need to live. Fix those, and the rats have less reason to stay.

What Draws Them to Your Yard

Rats need food, water and a place to hide. Look at your yard and the alley behind it the way a rat would:

Trash carts with lids that don't close, or bags set next to them
Bird feeders dropping seed on the ground
Pet food left out on the porch
Compost with food scraps in an open pile
Woodpiles, lumber and junk stacked against the garage
Gaps under the garage door or holes in the garage wall

Trash Carts and Heavy Trash

Indianapolis switched trash haulers at the start of 2026, and residents got new gray carts. WRTV reported that heavy trash pickup backed up for a while during the change. Whatever the schedule, keep the lid closed, keep bags inside the cart, and don't leave a mattress or a couch in the alley longer than you have to. Rats will move into a pile of furniture in a matter of days.

What the County Does

The Marion County Public Health Department runs a rodent control program. You can file a complaint, and a county technician will come out, inspect for rats and put out bait if needed. Mirror Indy reported in 2026 that the service is free. The department can also lend neighborhood groups tools like rakes and brooms for alley cleanups.

The county's work happens outside. It won't seal your garage or trap rats inside your house. For that, a private company is the next step. Ask about rat control and entry point sealing.

Got droppings, chewing or noises in the wall?

One call connects you with a licensed rodent company that works your side of town.

(317) 996-1254

Getting the Whole Alley On Board

One yard cleaning up helps that yard. A whole alley cleaning up helps the block. Talk to your neighbors, pick a weekend, and get the junk piles and overflowing carts handled at the same time. Alleys behind older blocks in Fountain Square and Irvington are good candidates.

Rodent Q&A

My neighbor's yard is the problem. What can I do?

Start with a conversation. If that doesn't work, the city and county have complaint lines for trash and rodent problems on private property.

Will a cat keep rats away?

Not reliably. A cat may chase rats off one yard, and they move next door.