WASHINGTON, D.C. — The rodent problem at the Benning Apartments in Southeast D.C. remains unresolved, and neighbors say it’s now worse than ever. Months after efforts were made to clean up mountains of uncollected trash, residents are again facing overflowing garbage and a rodent infestation that has spread beyond the complex.
Trash Returns, and So Do the Rats
In February, 7News reported on the alarming health conditions at the Benning Apartments, where garbage was allowed to pile up for months. At that time, some trash removal and clean-up efforts brought a brief sense of relief. But a recent return to the area tells a different story: the trash is back, and so are the rats.
“They’re digging underneath the shed,” said Mearitt Smith, a homeowner who lives directly next to the apartments. “They chewed through that,” he added, pointing to damage on his fence caused by the rodents. Smith says he’s been dealing with the fallout of the infestation continuously, as the apartment complex’s management remains unresponsive.
Residents and Neighbors Left to Fight Alone
Residents of the Benning Apartments and homeowners in the surrounding community say they feel abandoned. One resident, Richard Green, confirmed that the problem never truly went away.
“It didn’t go away fully,” Green said. “I just saw a rat last night.”…