Rat infestation in South Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A South Buffalo woman has tried to get to the bottom of a problem with rats.

But she couldn't get rid of them on her own.

Concerned citizen Ann Feeney, said "Like a small cat you know and it's disgusting because my daughter shouldn't have to live like this after just purchasing this home."

Ann Feeney is talking about the rats infesting her daughter, Ashley's, backyard and the entire neighborhood here on Midland Street in South Buffalo.

>>>Rats were also recently in Tonawanda.

The Erie County Health Department has come out and set bait to trap and kill them.

But the Feeney family says it's not helping.

Ashley said, "We have a pool and stuff and we can't even enjoy the summer because the rats are just multiplying. we see them during the day."

Concerned about the potential health hazard, Ashley doesn't let her 4 year old son spend that much time outdoors either.

They've contacted the City of Buffalo, but they're still waiting for someone to take action.

The Feeneys think it would help if they set traps at the house next door.

But there's a problem.

"They can't bait this house because the grass has to be mowed," said Ashley.

It seems no one knows how to get a hold of the owners.

So for now - they mostly stay indoors.

Neighbors worry about how this will hurt the neighborhood's image.

One neighbor said, "We love south buffalo as a place to live and they should do something about this it's ludicrous."

"Hopefully they come and take care of their property or do whatever they have to do because I'm tired you know of having rats," added Ashley.

The City of Buffalo has notified the Feeney family that someone will be out to check on the problem.

Of course, this is not the only neighborhood in Erie County that's been infested with rats.