Jamie Cleveland had a routine morning starting his Ford Escape outside his apartment in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. However, a coolant issue warning light caught his attention, followed by additional warning lights and engine shaking. Upon investigation, Cleveland discovered that rats had chewed through wires in his engine, leading to costly repairs and multiple visits to the mechanic over the past year.
Residents in Dartmouth’s Highfield Park neighborhood have also reported rat-induced damage to their vehicles, with some expressing frustration over the lack of action taken to address the growing pest problem. Cleveland described the situation as “outrageous,” highlighting the boldness of the rats in the area.
Concerned residents have resorted to parking on the street to avoid further damage, with reports of multiple vehicles being affected by rat infestations. Despite efforts to seek help from various authorities, including the rental office and tenancy board, residents feel a sense of helplessness as the issue persists.
Property manager Wanda Savoury of Highfield Park Residential Inc. acknowledged the rat infestation issue and attributed the rise in rat numbers to ongoing construction activities in the area. Measures, including fumigation by a pest control company, have been implemented to address the problem. Savoury reassured residents that progress has been made, with treatments scheduled for all properties to be completed by the end of the week.
The community remains vigilant as efforts continue to mitigate the impact of the rat infestation on residents and their vehicles in Dartmouth.
