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."