This month’s newsletter from Cook County Government features additional information about a new rodent control program for the campus demolition, and the steps the county has taken to ensure safety of the many birds who frequent the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve, which is adjacent to the campus property. The newsletter also includes information about how to safely access the Heritage Preserve as summer is about to be in full swing with many outdoor activities.
Several members of the community expressed concern about bird safety given the rodent control needed during demolition. Despite the original program’s effectiveness and compliance with local regulations and best practices, the county was determined to find a solution to manage rodents without harming birds, particularly birds of prey who hunt for small mammals on the property.
The County’s contractor, Bully & Andrews, working with Rose Pest Control, identified a patent-pending product, RatX, to manage rodents.
RatX active ingredient and how it works
- Contains natural ingredients that cause dehydration in rodents.
- Works quickly to eliminate existing rats.
- Best for immediate reduction of rodent numbers.
Safety and Environmental Impact
- Lethal to rodents only (low-to-no risk to other animals when used correctly).
- No secondary poisoning risk (unlike standard anticoagulant baits).
- RatX poses NO risk to children, pets, livestock or birds
- No risk of either primary or secondary poisoning – friendly to birds of prey
- No risk of contamination to crops or food
- No environmental pollution
- Fully biodegradable
- Safe to use on and around nature trails
Reminder for Visitors to the Heritage Preserve
During demolition of buildings on Cook County’s Oak Forest Campus, the west entrance of the Forest Preserves’ Oak Forest Heritage Preserve is closed.
Visitors can access the preserve through the east entrance, and the Don Gorman Fieldhouse parking lot of the Oak Forest Park District will remain open, ensuring continuous access to the Oak Forest Heritage Preserve.
To access Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East from the Oak Forest Campus, turn right onto IL-6/159th St, then make right turns at Pulaski Rd/Crawford Ave and Fieldcrest Dr.
For the Don Gorman Fieldhouse at 4412 Henry St, turn left onto IL-6/159th St, then left onto IL-50 S/S Cicero Ave, and follow Fieldcrest Dr. and Craig Dr. to Henry St. Oak Forest Heritage Preserve Trails - Brown Paved Loop and Purple Paved Spur near Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-West.
View the Cook County Campus Demolition webpage.