Seaford neighborhood 'infested' with rats
Residents say the rodent problem has gotten worse over the past year.
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Residents in a Seaford neighborhood are complaining about a rat infestation that’s leaving them all on edge.
“I’m afraid to open up the garage door to come into my own house,” Michelle Mofshin said. “Because I’m afraid something’s going to crawl into the garage.”
Neighbors say the problem has gotten worse over the past year, and they’re even seeing them during the day.
“Yards are well maintained. Garbage is put away. We all have exterminators on the block…” Lori Albano said. “And it hasn’t gotten better. It’s gotten worse.”
One resident said they’ve set traps all over multiple backyards and have caught at least 50 of the rodents. But the problem isn’t going away.
“I finally got a pool in my backyard,” Maria Jeremenk said. “And we swim, and we see rats. It’s not pleasant. My grandkids are scared. And my neighbor’s dog kills them and brings them to her.”
Other residents say they’re worried their pets could get infected or their children might get too close to the rodents.
“I have young kids that want to go in the yard,” Bart Dangelo said. “But we refuse because even during the daytime we see them running around.”
They’ve also reached out to the Town of Hempstead and the Nassau County Health Department and are expecting an inspector soon.
The Nassau County Department of Health said in a statement to News 12 that they have gotten multiple complaints and will investigate. When they identify potential food, water and shelter sources, they’ll provide education to the people who live in the neighborhood on how to reduce rat activity.
The health department also said property owners are responsible for addressing the problem and providing extermination.
