Neighbors still worry about rats

By Meghan Kalkstein and KVAL Web Staff Published: Jul 8, 2008 at 3:42 PM PST Last Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:51 PM PST
Neighbors still worry about rats »Play Video
Neighbors say the rats removed from this home have improved the smell but not completely eliminated the nuisance from the neighborhood.

788 rats and counting

The city of Sutherlin has spent an estimated $15,000 to date cleaning up the rat problem at a home. Here are some of the highlights from the controversy, which started with a neighbor -- you guessed it -- ratting on their neighbors.

Jan. 10, 2008
Neighbor files a complaint with the Sutherlin Police Department claiming a possible rat infestation, bad odor and potential for electrical fire.

Jan. 17
After the city consults with the fire department, fire marshall and state and county officials, two representatives of Douglas County Building Department make contact with the residents. Residents advised of possible renovation funds.

Jan. 18
Officials make an interior inspection of the property.

Feb. 1
Officials grant a two week extension after finding the residetns are disposing of debris and planning to trap rats.

Feb. 15
Officials make a second compliance inspection and find the garage completely cleaned out. Resident reports trapping and releasing 135 rats at a reservoir. The bad odor had been reduced.

Feb. 27
Agency that provides renovation funds advises Sutherlin police that releasing rats at the reservoir may be inappropriate.

Feb. 28
Agency decides against providing renovation funds, asks for meeting with city regarding release of rats.

March 4
Officials ask residents to not release any more rats.

March 10
City council approves resolution to authorize abatement of nuisance.

March 12
Neighbors submit signatures to city alleging violations of subdivision covenant, codes and restrictions.

March 13
City serves residents with notice that city would take action to remove rats.

March 15
During visit to the house with trapper hired by city, official advises residents to sort materials being stored in the driveway under tarps and remove items contaminated with rat urine.

March 20
Trapper notifies city of problems with city's contract requirements on liability and insurance coverage. City contacts a second trapper.

March 21
City officials decide to work with second trapper.

March 24
Second trapper declines to work with city saying job "is too difficult and compliated." City official persuades trapper to change his mind.

April 1
City officials inspect property and find all materials removed from the driveway.

April 3
Trapper reports 223 rats trapped to date. Rat carcasses to be kept in freezer for educational purposes.

April 15
Trapper reports 314 rates removed to date.

April 25
Trapper reports over 400 rats trapped to date. Trapper asks for and receives another 30 days.

May 6
To date, 611 rats removed.

May 16
To date, 672 rats removed.

May 20
To date, 712 rats removed.

May 27
City amends contract to allow poisoning of rats by trapper.

June 9
To date, 788 rates removed. Poisoning begins.

June 16
Poison changed to more effective form after laboratory analysis of rat carcasses.

June 30
City amends contract to allow two more weeks of poisoning and monthly monitoring for up to one year. 

SUTHERLIN, Ore. -- Almost 800 rats and $15,000 later, neighbors say this Oregon home still poses a nuisance to the neighborhood.

Neighbors meet with the city mananger and mayor on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Sutherlin City Hall.

"The smell has gotten a little bit better," said Dale Dowdy. "We can still smell it. Now the big thing with us is the flies."

And that's even after Sutherlin city officials worked to remove the rats.

From February through June, at least 788 rats were removed from the home by a trapper hired by the city.

Neighbors still worry the house is a hazard.

"They do chew insulation, they chew wires," said Chris Goreck. "This could be a fire hazard. It's definitely probably a health hazard."

"The big concern is of course hanta virus and a handful of other airborne disease that come from rat fecal matter and rat droppings," said Goreck.

City manager Bud Schmidt said he doesn't have the expertise to say if the house is a hazard but feels this problem is something that could have been resolved years ago.

"Part of the responsibility for it getting out of hand lies with the folks who failed to report it and just wanted to be good neighbors," Schmidt said.

The homeowner said all the rats are gone but declined to talk to KVAL TV news.

Neighbors said some people have been driving by the home, just to take a look.