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When Karen Cain looked out her window on May 17 and saw hundreds of rats swarming her property, she realized her neighbor's problem had become her own.
"I couldn't sleep that night," Cain told KDKA reporters (1). "I immediately started searching the house to make sure there wasn't anything in the house."
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Cain lives on Adams Drive in Rostraver Township, Pennsylvania, where multiple residents have reported problems with a large rat colony originating from a neighboring property. Police have charged that neighbor, Wendi Kraemer, 59, with public nuisance, saying that trash at her Route 51 property allowed the rodents to spread.
Neighbors told KDKA they've already spent money on traps, poison and exterminators. Some have even temporarily left their homes to avoid the growing rat problem.
When one neighbor's trash becomes everyone's problem
When KDKA spoke with Kraemer, she said the rats were dumped on her property and she's been working with a pest control company to resolve the issue. Neighbors, however, say the problem has been growing for some time.
"It started with smells and then all of a sudden we started seeing rats in the driveway when we got home," said neighbor Jed Allen. "I'm a plumber. When I say something smells, I mean it."
Allen said he's been dealing with the rats for “longer than Cain”. He alleged a rat chased his son while the boy was riding his bike. Other neighbors have reported seeing rats digging in their yards, and they've even found dead rats on their properties.
Moneywise reached out to Kraemer, as well as her lawyer, Margaret Morris, for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.
Court records show Kraemer has a preliminary arraignment and hearing scheduled for July 13, leaving her neighbors to deal with the infestation for weeks. Kraemer has said she filed a lawsuit against the township, alleging harassment.
On June 2, another charge was filed against Kraemer for public nuisance after 50 pigs were found in her home.
“It's unbelievable in there,” Township Manager Jeffrey Keffer told WXPI-TV. (2) “We were chasing pigs and corralling pigs. Because there were so many, we had to make multiple trips."
Township officials say in addition to the three trailer loads of pigs, they also found cats and dogs. Neighbors say that Kraemer runs an animal rescue on the property, though the rescue's website now appears to be a "Coming Soon" landing page (3). Kraemer is due in court in July for the second charge. (2)
The issue for Kraemer's neighbors is twofold. There are documented health risks associated with living near an active rat infestation. Rats carry diseases, including hantavirus (4), a potentially fatal viral infection that can affect the lungs.
In addition to the health risks, neighbors may also face property damage from rats digging burrows or infesting homes, as well as a loss of property value due to the smell of animals and trash.
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What to do when a neighbor's negligence damages your property
While the situation in Rostraver Township is extreme, many homeowners face similar challenges when a neighbor fails to maintain their property. Here are the steps you should take to protect your health and your property.
Don't count on your insurance company to save you
If your first instinct is to file a homeowner's insurance claim, there's bad news. Most policies don't cover pest control because infestations are generally considered preventable (5), even when the pests originate from a neighboring property.
Policies may cover sudden or accidental incidents involving animals, such as a bird flying through a window and causing damage. But don't expect coverage for rat removal, termite treatment or damage caused by a long-term infestation.
Document everything
Your first step should be to document the problem thoroughly. If you believe a neighbor’s negligence caused the problem, take photos of their property and any visible hazards. Photograph your own property as well, including any damage or signs of infestation, such as droppings, nests or burrows.
If you spend money on traps or pest control services, keep all receipts and records.
Escalate to the appropriate authorities
Next, file a complaint with your local code enforcement department or municipal bylaw office. If the neighbor's activities violate local nuisance, health, or zoning regulations, authorities may be able to act on your behalf.
That’s the route Kraemer’s neighbors took, and it ultimately led to criminal charges.
If you are a member of a homeowners association, notify the HOA as well. A city councilor, township member or other local elected official may also be able to help.
When to consider legal action
If code enforcement doesn't resolve the problem, you may have grounds for a private nuisance lawsuit. Cases involving health and safety hazard (6) often receive more serious consideration than complaints based solely on aesthetics.
In most court cases, the goal isn’t necessarily monetary compensation. Instead, homeowners often seek an injunction (6) or a court order requiring a neighbor to fix the problem.
For out-of-pocket costs, such as pest control or home repairs, small claims courts typically handle disputes involving damages ranging from $6,000 (7)to $12,000. (8)
The most important advice is to act fast. Damage from negligence, including pest infestations, can spiral quickly, turning a minor annoyance into a costly structural problem.
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Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
CBS News (1); WPXI (2); Angels Journey Home Rescue (3); Centers for Disease Control (4); Insurify (5); Justia (6); Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (7); California Courts Self-Help Guide (8)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
