Neighbors say ‘hundreds of rats’ are running through their yards every night

ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA/CNN NEWSOURCE/WKRC) — Residents of a western Pennsylvania neighborhood say they are battling a growing rat infestation that they believe originated from a condemned property where more than 100 pigs and other animals were recently removed.

Neighbors along Adams Drive in Rostraver Township say they have trapped and killed dozens of rats in recent weeks but continue to see large numbers of rodents around their homes.

Residents of a western Pennsylvania neighborhood say they are battling a growing rat infestation that they believe originated from a condemned property where more than 100 pigs and other animals were recently removed. (KDKA/CNN NEWSOURCE)

“The smell’s better, but the rats are worse,” resident Erin McCay told KDKA.

Earlier this month, authorities and animal rescue groups removed dogs, cats and more than 100 pigs from the property. Investigators described conditions at the site as deplorable.

According to Pittsburgh Squealers Rescue, 105 pigs were removed from the property, and several later died due to alleged neglect.

The property, which operated as an animal sanctuary, has since been condemned and listed for sale.

Township officials said they have contracted with a pest control company in an effort to eliminate the infestation. The one-year agreement is valued at approximately $12,000 and includes placing traps throughout the affected neighborhood.

Residents say the infestation has become a public safety concern, especially after dark.

“It’s definitely a public safety issue,” McCay said. “I want to feel safe being able to go in our yard and walk into the house.”

Township officials said they hope the rat population will begin to decline in the coming weeks.

Police said the investigation into conditions at the property remains active.