Scurrying to fix a rat problem

It’s us against the rats, and it would be funny if it weren’t a legitimate problem.

One homeowner in the Woodlawn Village neighborhoods, which extend east and north from Central and Woodlawn avenues, trapped 42 rats over two months. Two neighbors combined to collect 30 more.

The residents didn’t want their names published in an Eagle story for fear of affecting their property values. The 50- to 60-year-old homes are worth between $150,000 and $500,000. (Rats are equal-opportunity squatters.)

A pest-control business owner said it’s no reason for embarrassment. It’s reason for action.

The Norway rats roaming the east Wichita neighborhoods are adaptable, mobile and will stay in spots where water and food are nearby — and nearby can mean blocks away.

Be careful if you’re trying to kill a rat. Rat poison can be harmful to pets, and rats that are killed by poison can be harmful if eaten by pets.

The city and county didn’t know of the problem until contacted by The Eagle. Residents hope the problem gets under control before winter, when the rodents begin looking for warmer living quarters.

This story was originally published August 30, 2017 at 10:59 AM with the headline "Scurrying to fix a rat problem."