Alleged rat infestation spreads

“We have lived in our house for over 40 years and never had rats, since may I have trapped 12 rats”, Yuma resident Chris Jones is concerned that her neighborhood is infested with rats. “We know that they’re out there because we put a little camera out there and can catch pictures of them”, said Jones.

Jones showed us several photos taken by her camera, where you can clearly see an outline of a rat. But J ones is certainly not alone. Since we first broke this rat problem for you last week we have received several calls from other residents just like Jones. Residents like Molly Valenzuela, she also says rats are overwhelming her yard and is concerned for her families health.

“I have dogs I have cats, if the cat comes in contact I mean our cat catches birds can it get a disease coming in contact with these rats”, said Valenzuela.

For Valenzuela and Jones they are left wondering what to do. Both say they have reported it to the County Health Department with no results. We spoke with the county who says it’s a nuisance issue on private property and it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to deal with the rats but they are encouraging the community to help each other out.

“One person may have cleaned up their yard but a neighbor has not and can serve as a breading ground for rats”, said Yuma County Spokesperson Kevin Tunell.

The County Health Department says the issue would have to become a public health crisis before they step in, for Valenzuela she says that worries her.

“It seems like in this society we wait till something bad happens before we do anything about it, why not do something now investigate see what’s going on”, said Valenzuela.

Exterminator companies are also noticing the issue. Ram Pest says they have seen a 20 percent increase in rat related calls since last year. Since we spoke to them in our report last week they have gotten at least 7 calls and provided us pictures of some of the rats they caught.

“They are pretty hard to control, keep them out of the house you don’t want them in your home”, said Ram Pest manager Jessie Cockrell .

Ram Pest says they offer a free inspection but they say a rat extermination could cost you up to a couple hundred dollars, leaving residents like Jones stuck with a bunch of rats.

“I’m on a fixed income and am not going to get a raise and get more money to deal with this I don’t think its something I should have to deal with on my own I think I should have some help with it”, said Jones.

If you would like to ask Ram Pest for their services you can contact them at (928)782-0078