WASHINGTON — A group of about 50 residents at The Flats at Dupont Circle Apartments in Northwest D.C. said they've been dealing with a rat infestation for months.
One resident even told WUSA9 she’s been sleeping on her balcony for weeks to avoid the rats in her apartments.
“Every noise you hear-thinking it’s a rat coming in. I can’t sleep.” Kayla Goodman said.
Goodman said the rats have invaded her bathroom, bedroom and now her pantry.
Just last week, she said she found a rat hiding under her fridge in the middle of the day.
Most recently, WUSA9 spoke to residents who say horseflies have appeared and they’re worried about their health.
“I have rat poop in my garbage disposal because they ate into my garbage disposal.” Goodman said.
Gerard Brown, the DC Health, Rodent and Vector Control, Gerard Brown, Program Manager told WUSA9 they conducted several exterior inspections, already. He believes the rat issue was already there and it wasn’t taken care of properly.
“They were already there and nobody did anything about it and it allowed them to multiply,” Brown said.
Brown told WUSA9 inspectors were on site on Wednesday and found a persistent fly issue. Brown said the Department of Buildings was made aware and will be conducting a building inspection inside.
Brown said the apartment building has hired a pest control company and it seems to be working. He says the flies are a result of dead rats.
WUSA9 has reached out to the apartment managers and to Equity Apartments several times for comment but have yet to receive a response.
Several residents tell WUSA9, they have already filed a small claims lawsuit.
DC Health experts encourage residents to avoid keeping trash out of their home. Residents can call 311 to report a rodent problem. Inspectors are required to conduct an inspection within five days.
Residents can also contact the DC Office of Attorney General for an inspection.