A mother has shared her distress over enduring a nine-year ordeal with a rat infestation in her home, causing her children to fear entering certain areas like the bathroom. Living as a council tenant in Brynteg, Wrexham, she expressed frustration at the persistence of the rat problem and the lack of effective action by Wrexham Council to address it or provide alternative housing.
Describing the situation as unbearable, the woman highlighted how the rats have been seen emerging from various parts of the house, including kitchen cupboards and under the bath, leading her children to resort to using a bucket instead of the bathroom out of fear. Despite maintaining cleanliness, she believes a nearby rat colony has established her home as part of its territory, with the infestation affecting all areas of the house.
Numerous attempts to eradicate the rats, including frequent visits by pest control, have not yielded lasting results, with the council dismissing the issue each time pest control reports ‘no activity.’ The mother lamented the loss of sentimental items due to rat damage and emphasized the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family, particularly her autistic child who struggles with the sensory overload caused by the infestation.
The disruptions caused by the rodents have extended to food supplies, sleep disturbances, and the overall well-being of the family. The noise and smell from the rats have made nights unbearable, with the children experiencing sleep disturbances and nightmares. The mother described the challenges of dealing with dead rats in the walls and the ongoing struggle to keep the infestation under control.
Despite an offer of alternative housing in Coedpoeth, the family finds it impractical due to distance and logistical constraints, especially for the autistic child who already faces long commutes to school. Despite providing medical documentation and engaging with various support services, the family feels unheard and unsupported in their efforts to secure a safer living environment.
In response, Wrexham Council acknowledged the complaint and stated they had provided pest control services and housing advice to mitigate the vermin risk. However, housing offers are based on specific criteria related to need, demand, and availability, aiming to match tenants with the most suitable properties based on these factors.