Her neighbour is feeding rats, and she doesn't know what to do

Residents of a community near Wolfville, N.S., who are dealing with a massive rat infestation say they're frustrated by the lack of action taken to get it under control. 

Natasha Banks says she first noticed rats on her White Rock property last fall, and the problem has only intensified since then.

"They've been chewing my car, living under my deck, chewing my garage and just are out in the open during the day. You can see them actively running around tunnelling," Banks said this week.

It wasn't until she spent months fighting a losing battle to keep them at bay, trapping and poisoning dozens of rats, that she began talking with others in the area about the issue. 

Some of her neighbours, like Shelby Martin, who lives across the street, were having the same problem.  

"I'm worried that as time goes on if it doesn't get under control that it's going to get worse," Martin said.

"We also have a newborn baby and a four-year-old, so I would like my children to be able to play outside and not have to be worried about rats."

After comparing notes, Banks said she discovered the issue was originating from her next-door neighbour's property. 

The man living there declined to do an interview with CBC News but did say he was aware he had a rat problem.

He said some rats were inside his home and that he was feeding them. He estimated there were around 50 rats on his property. 

A pest control expert who was inspecting Banks's property said that number is likely much higher. 

"I'm guessing just from what we can see, we're definitely north of 100," said Jesse Roach. 

He said it doesn't take long for a rat problem to get out of control.

"The numbers can get gigantic if left unchecked, especially if there's a lot of food around, a lot of water around, a lot of hiding places." 

After contacting the Municipality of Kings County about the issue and waiting a week without a response, Banks decided to share a video of the situation on Monday on Facebook to draw attention to the problem. 

She thinks it's a public safety issue and worries about her neighbour's health and well-being.

In the footage of her neighbour's driveway, rats can be seen scurrying out from under cars, the bushes and the garage. 

In an email, the municipality told CBC News an enforcement officer visited the property on Wednesday and is now working with the owner to resolve the issue. 

Banks said she could see pest control on-site next door, and was later told by the municipality that a six-week plan is being implemented to get the situation under control. 

On her own property, she expects to spend over $1,000 on pest control measures before all is said and done, she said. 

But she worries if things don't get better next door, there's nothing she can do to stop the problem. 

"As optimistic as I am, I don't think this is the end of it. I really just think this is the beginning," she said.