Residents say rats overrunning Ken-Ton

KENMORE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Ken-Ton is running rampant with rodents. That's according to neighbors who are launching an all-out war against the skeevy critters.

In Ken-Ton, residents say they are seeing more rats this summer than ever before. The question is: What's attracting these rodents?

The Health Department says rat-related complaints are up and cites bird feeders as one main attraction. Several sightings have been reported in neighborhoods north of Sheridan Drive. Michael Berns, a Building Inspector in the village of Kenmore, also says dry spells have rats on the move as they travel farther to find water. He says rodents are also feeding off of fruit that falls from neighborhood trees. Berns says action will be taken to alleviate the problem.

"Bird feedings been up a little bit. It's county code to not feeed the birds, ground feeding of the birds and just general debris and brush. See what you can do to clean up apple trees, fruit trees. They feed off of that and get moisture from actual fruit," explained Berns.

Other tips: remove uneaten pet food and store it in rat-proof containers. Clean up pet droppings everyday! Cut down high weeds and grass and make sure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids. Also, if there are any sources of water outside your home, remove them.