Several homeowners living near the former Sarnia General Hospital demolition project are reporting a problem with rats.
Sheila-May Burke said she and her husband have lived on Cameron Street, just west of Mitton Street, for 11 years and never have had a problem.
"About a week ago we found out that other neighbours have the same problem and we all came to the conclusion that it started when they started tearing the old hospital down," said Burke. "I called the city and asked them, 'do you know of this problem?' and the lady told me they're aware of it but it's not their problem unless the rats are digging holes in the boulevard."
Burke said she was told to call the demolition company, so she contacted Mark Lumley of GFive Inc., a member of the group of local businessmen redeveloping the old hospital site.
"He told me their website did indicate possible ramifications of the teardown including dust and the rat problem," said Burke. "He said they did the best they could for abatement and pest control but obviously, it's not perfect, and they couldn't get all of them. He also said demolition should wrap up in three weeks time."
Burke said she doesn't know how that will change things because the neighbourhood is already infested.
"They reproduce at an alarming rate and they're already in the neighbourhood now, so the problem is going to be here for a long time," she said.
She said pest control companies have told homeowners they must find the point of entry of the rodents, but she's worried that elderly neighbours aren't able to crawl around, looking for holes or gaps in crawl spaces and foundations.
Lambton Public Health Supervisor Lori Lucas said they've followed up on a few complaints related to rats.
"Obviously we always recommend working with a pest control company," said Lucas. "Things that residents can do is doing an inspection around their home, looking for signs of rodents like droppings and chew marks, and then sealing off any holes or access points that they have to the home."
Lucas also recommended keeping garbage contained outside the home, and not putting food outside for a pet.
Further information can be found at www.cdc.gov/rodents/diseases/direct.html