Mott Haven resident has rat problem resolved while speaking with News 12
In February, Marilyn Esquea submitted a complaint to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. It finally gained some traction.
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A Bronx mother may finally be living in a rat-free home after years of issues in her Mott Haven home.
Marilyn Esquea, a Bronx mother of two, said her rat issues began in August 2023.
Since then, she filed multiple 311 complaints and made endless phone calls to her buildings management company, Wavecrest Management.
In February, Esquea submitted a complaint to the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. It finally gained some traction.
She said an inspector came to her home to check out the living conditions.
She says the inspector found 18 holes in her floors and walls that rats can enter and exit.
"My kids are scared and I don't wanna cook,” said Esquea.
The concerned mother said she sees up to five rats weekly. They are typically found in her cupboards, on her stove and in her children’s room.
"There was one on the bed... my kids sleep with me now. Yeah, they're traumatized,” said Esquea, “I don't want to be scared living here"
While News 12 crews were at the Mott Haven apartment, there were several knocks on the door, including a representative from Wavecrest Management, an exterminator, the super and a representative from Department of Buildings.
They were ready to repair the holes, using copper mesh, sheet metal and compound to seal them shut.
"I'm relieved but...why did it take so long for you to come? Like, I feel like this is an emergency,” she said.
News 12 reached out to Wavecrest Management before the repairs began.
It sent a statement, saying in part, "We expect the problem to be solved by the end of today. Additionally, the third-party contractor is proactively conducting visits throughout the building and doing a full common area assessment."
