Northeast Philly residents plead for help tackling rat problem: 'They're just everywhere'
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Months after residents in Mayfair raised alarms about a rat infestation, neighbors in other parts of Northeast Philadelphia say they face the same problem on their block, too.
Residents urge city and state leaders to take stronger action as they confront rodents damaging cars, invading yards and creating what some describe as a growing health hazard.
Dawn Amoriello, who lives on Friendship Street, said the rats have become overwhelming.
"They're just everywhere and you can't get rid of them," she said.
She worries about the damage they cause, including to vehicles parked behind homes.
"I don't like to park out back because a lot of people's cars have been damaged. You come outside at night and the rats are like this big," she described with her hands.
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One car owner on Tyson Avenue reported paying about $1,800 for repairs after rats chewed through wiring.
Amoriello said she feels stuck.
"Something really needs to be done, and I don't know where to turn," she said.
In Mayfair, Mary Martin said the situation is just as troubling.
"It's absolutely disgusting. It's an embarrassment," she said.
Martin worries about children living on Unruh Avenue.
"I understand that we live in the city, but we don't live in Center City. This problem should not be happening in Mayfair," she said.
City Councilman Mike Driscoll, State Representative Jared Solomon and Adrian Jordan from the city's Vector Control unit are coordinating efforts to remove rodents across 20 blocks so far. Driscoll said the work requires cooperation.
"It takes a village to get this problem under control," he said.
Solomon said the infestations stem partly from improper trash disposal, neglected properties and abandoned cars.
"We've been seeing a consistent theme, and if we continue to counterpunch this, I think we'll be able to deliver a much better quality of life," he said.
Local leaders also acknowledged gaps in the city's response. Solomon noted that staffing is limited.
"Mr. Jordan is one staffer at Vector Control. There are only about four serving the entire city of Philadelphia," he said.
Officials said they are working to hire more employees, educate residents on prevention, distribute trash cans and fill gaps in foundations.
"If we brought those three pieces back, I think you would see a market improvement," Solomon said.
Driscoll said progress will take time.
"It's just going to be day by day, house by house. That's the only way we're going to get control of this," he said.
Local leaders emphasized that residents must keep their properties clean or risk fines. They encouraged anyone who sees rats in their neighborhood to report the issue to 311 or contact a local representative.
