NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Neighbors in Niagara Falls are seeking solutions as they deal with a rat problem that they say has gotten out of control.
Local lawmakers are trying to tackle the problem and plan to hold a public forum on the topic at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18 at the LaSalle Public Library.
"I don't know where they're coming from but yeah it's bad," said LaSalle resident Steve Ruthier.
Ruthier told 2 On Your Side that he and his neighbors have been dealing with a rodent problem for years but that 2024 has been particularly bad.
Last week he said that a rat got into his garage and chewed a hole in the wall. Holding up his hands to show how big the rodent was, Ruthier guessed it was about two feet long.
"I get up to go to work at 4 o'clock in the morning and I look at them walking down the street down the sidewalk," Ruthier said.
While rats are the main culprits, he added that squirrels have also helped chew through his trash cans, creating holes and easy access to food.
"They're nasty as can be and they're not small," said Cameron Grady, another LaSalle resident.
Grady told 2 On Your Side that the rats are most active at dawn and dusk, which is likely why we didn't see any on a sunny Monday afternoon.
"It's just one of those things that needs to be addressed," Grady added.
Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino and Niagara County legislators Chris McKimmie and Chris Voccio have spearheaded the effort to try and find solutions.
The three lawmakers are hosting the Wednesday forum which will also include a presentation about ongoing rat mitigation efforts by the Niagara County Health Department and other government agencies.
Ruthier and Grady believe stopping the rat problem will take collective action by the entire LaSalle neighborhood, which is where the infestation is focused.
Grady said he has seen some improvement when neighbors have reduced trash and cleaned up their yards.
"Certain yards are worse off than others and thankfully some neighbors have cleaned up their yards and the problem has gone down," he said.
The lawmakers also want to understand any potential impact that the Covanta plant and railyard may be having on the rat issue.
The hope is that through collaboration eventually, LaSalle will be able to rid itself of its unwelcome guests.