Rodent Control in Russian Hill

Russian Hill sits north of Nob Hill, south of Fisherman's Wharf and west of North Beach. The name goes back to the Gold Rush, when a small Russian cemetery was found at the top. It's steep enough that parts of Vallejo and Green streets are stairways, and the one block of Lombard between Hyde and Leavenworth has eight switchbacks. The Atkinson House, from 1853, is one of the oldest houses still standing in the city.

Stairways, wooded lanes like Macondray Lane and old homes tucked into the slope add up to a lot of green cover next to buildings.

Gardens and Lanes

The lanes and stairways are lined with plants, and many houses back onto planted slopes. That's roof rat habitat. Vines on walls and fences give them a way up to the roof. UC IPM recommends pulling ivy, star jasmine and honeysuckle off buildings and fences.

• Vines and climbing plants on walls
• Planted slopes right behind the house
• Overhanging branches near the roofline

Hyde Street and the Apartments

The Powell-Hyde cable car runs up Hyde Street, which is lined with restaurants and shops. Apartment buildings along it and the side streets deal with mice in kitchens and rats in trash areas. See apartment building rodents.

Around Russian Hill: Hyde Street · Lombard Street · Macondray Lane · Vallejo Street Crest

Also serving Mission District, Bernal Heights, Noe Valley, Pacific Heights, Marina, SoMa, Richmond District, Sunset District, Nob Hill, Bayview, Excelsior, Glen Park, Castro.