Rodent Control in Fountain Square

Fountain Square sits about a mile and a half southeast of downtown, along the diagonal of Virginia Avenue that goes back to the city's 1821 plan. It has three historic districts on the National Register, all listed in 1983, and it's been a commercial area since the 1870s. The houses are older, many of them small cottages and doubles set close together, with alleys behind them.

Close-set old houses and alleys bring Norway rats. The age of the houses brings mice.

Alleys and Detached Garages

Most rat calls here start in the alley. Rats live under detached garages and sheds, and they eat from trash carts, compost and anything left out. When one yard cleans up, the rats move to the next one. That's why the same alley keeps having problems. Talking to neighbors helps. So does the Marion County Public Health Department's rodent program, which can inspect and bait outside.

Our guide to alley rats and trash carts has the details.

Doubles and Shared Walls

In a double, mice move between the two halves through the basement and the walls. Sealing one side while the other side does nothing only goes so far. If you own one half, talk to the other owner or landlord. Restaurants and shops near the square can ask about commercial service.

Landmarks: Virginia Ave. · Shelby St. · Prospect St. · Pleasant Run Pkwy. · Fountain Square Theatre Building (ZIP 46203)

Nearby areas: Broad Ripple, Irvington, Lawrence, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, Zionsville, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Greenwood.