Lexington Neighbors Say Rats Pose Pesky Problem
Lexington Neighbors Say Rats Pose Pesky Problem Save Email Print
Posted: 3:45 PM Oct 31, 2007
 Last Updated: 11:46 AM Nov 2, 2007
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It's in one of Lexington's most upscale neighborhoods.

But a house is now condemned, after becoming overrun with rats.

Officials first heard about the problem yesterday at the home on Glen Abbey Circle in the Andover neighborhood.

They say when they arrived, they found filthy conditions inside.

Officials with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department say several agencies, including theirs, were called to the house Wednesday.

Once there, they found rats had overrun it. That's because officials found piles of garbage inside, which the rats were using for food.

Officials are now working to clean up the house. But they're warning neighbors to look out for rats. They say once their food supply is gone from the house, they may run to nearby homes to look for food.

The health department is setting traps around the neighborhood, hoping to catch the rats.

The condemnation order means officials can do anything from cleaning up the mess inside, to tearing down the house.

Andover Hills neighbors met Thursday night at Crossroads Christian Church to address the rodent problem and to discuss ways to fix it. Many are concerned the pests may invade their homes if the rats aren't properly taken care of.

Members of the Fayette County Health Department were also on hand to offer suggestions on how to rodent-proof their homes and what agencies to contact should they have a problem.
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Posted by: Mike Location: Lexington on Jun 25, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I do not know this lady but since i live in Lexington i have hard a lot about this story.And all i have to say is this poor lady has been judged so much and i think people need to help her instead of hurting her.You people who live in Andover your not rich!!Its not Beverly Hills.Stop thinking about your self soo much!!And obviously she did not have money issues if she could live in a very nice home.She has gone through a lot in her life.Some people do not have the strength to go through what she has and i applaud her and her family.Leave the woman alone and stop judging until you have gone through everything she has!!
Posted by: Ts Location: Andover Res. on Dec 1, 2007 at 06:43 PM
To Jason of Frankfort: Your a Rude Man, im a family friend of some one who wrote a comment on this who lives on that street. your pathetic, do you not have anything better to do than to drive to the " BIG CITY"to see a house? and you dont have a clue whether she helped. by the way im an average Joe who lives in Andover one street over from the house. (edited) P.S Every one needs to leave this poor lady ALONE
Posted by: A friend of the family Location: Lexington on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:42 PM
just to let the station know if they need to contact me,(i didnt include my email with the previous comment) i posted the previous comment and will be looking foreword to seeing it on the site
Posted by: A Friend of the Family Location: Lexington on Nov 6, 2007 at 08:38 PM
Imagine you have just lost your home. Now imagine that you have lost your home and everyone in Lexington knows. That situation in itself would be hard enough. To everyone here who has posted friendly and sincere comments, thank you. I have a few comments of my own. I have known the owner and her daughters for years now and they are one of the most amazing and inspiring families I have ever met and I feel blessed to know them. All I really want to do is remind everyone who is passing judgment that you never really know what is true and what is not. The media CONSISTANTLY does a wonderful job of inflating any situation that will attract attention, and in this case that is exactly what has happened. So please before you pass judgment just remember these are people just like you and me and they need nothing more than compassion and support.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 6, 2007 at 02:14 PM
I knew the owner and her daughters for many years before I left Andover Hill. The owner is truly a very nice, giving woman who had the misfortune of being widowed early in life and then had the overwhelming responsibility of having to raise 2 young children alone -- something that is even more difficult to do in a town and a neighborhood where she had very little support. She sent her children to school and raised them the best way she can. Her daughters study and work several jobs as does their mother. I think that the neglect in this case encompasses more than a poor widow's inability to keep house in nice neighborhood. This is the culmination of years of neglect of the woman BY the neighborhood in which she lived in. Despite what is now being said, I know that very little support was truly given to this unfortunate family. If someone was truly concerned enough to extend a hand in the PAST, it is possible that this "circus" would have been avoided.
Posted by: Rick Location: Georgetown on Nov 5, 2007 at 10:22 AM
OK I;ve got an idea. Let's a bunch of us get together a few 6 packs, and a few .22 rifles and have a good old fashioned rat killin' at the dump! We'll make a party of it!
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Nov 5, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Well, at the risk of sounding stupid, I didn't know that Social Services couldn't do anything. This is truly a sad situation. And unless we have been thru it, we don't know what this family is going thru. They certainly need our prayers.
Posted by: kylady Location: KY on Nov 5, 2007 at 09:56 AM
To-An Andover Snob-your post just made the point Jason was making,and what a whole lot of other people were thinking.While I understand you and your neighbors not wanting people driving up your neighborhood just to see the place,your comment-'And yes, I am an Andover snob and proud of it! Jealousy will get you no where.' makes the whole area appear like you,and I'm sure there are a FEW people blessed with money in the Andover area what does NOT feel the way you do about being a snob,and being proud of it.You need a reality check.It isn't about being jealous,it's about being a decent human being.Money isn't every-oh,wait,money probably IS everything to you.How pathetic!
Posted by: mel Location: lex on Nov 5, 2007 at 07:45 AM
Wow, MEAN people :) I find it commendable if in fact there were residents of this subdivison who offered help to this lady. Somehow I'm kinda doubting it, but they sort of vaguely imply that someone did, so I'm gonna believe them. I do hope they weren't as quick to call her stupid when they rang her doorbell in all their goodwill as they have some of these posters. No one is immune to having ignorance, drugs, filth, or "skeletons" in their lives, no matter where you live or how much money you do or don't have. If you haven't been hit with any of this yet in your life, put your seatbelt on...you're running a collision course with it right now and you don't even realize it.
Posted by: SR Location: Lexington on Nov 5, 2007 at 07:26 AM
Somethings should be keep out of the media..and this story is one of them. Is there no compassion anymore?
Posted by: independant! Location: winchester on Nov 5, 2007 at 07:12 AM
to ex-landlord, having section 8 does not mean your a nasty person! i have section 8 and i am very clean,and i go to work everyday!!some people do need the help,especially single parent trying to make it in this world!!!dont judge.
Posted by: LEX1 Location: lEXINGTON on Nov 5, 2007 at 06:09 AM
It is funny how the people that live their are taking offense to the comments,but when this happened on Race St.,nothing was said except what a poor dirty neighborhood.It sure is funny how concepts change.It can happen anywhere,and to you.
Posted by: Brandon on Nov 4, 2007 at 05:08 PM
I think this is absolutely ridiculous. These are peoples lives and if you genuinely feel compassion or the need to try to help someone then great. Obviously, this isn't the case and I'm appauled at the way citizens have acted and behaved throughout this situation. I reserve my judgements for when I know all the facts and if I don't, then I keep them to myself.
Posted by: janette Location: ky on Nov 3, 2007 at 10:25 AM
who are we to judge this woman? maybe we should walk a mile in her shoes.
Posted by: jf Location: ky on Nov 2, 2007 at 09:31 PM
clean ppl dont have roaches? what are u immune to them. who are u ppl to judge this lady? walk a mile in her shoes
Posted by: Friends of Andover Location: The Andover Hills on Nov 2, 2007 at 02:27 PM
To Anonymous: All the news that has been on, and you have to ask a stupid question like that. Sicnce you missed it, I will give you a recap. The lady was offered help several times but turned it down. But since you feel that you have the right to judge it ok huh... I would want to remain anonymous as well if I was as stupid as you!
Posted by: blondebomber on Nov 2, 2007 at 02:06 PM
Why do you only hear about the health department when something bad happens? Do they do anything to help us?
Posted by: Not Lord of the Lawn Location: Lexington on Nov 2, 2007 at 01:14 PM
You know, it's interesting that it gets to that point there and people on this post are saying "no neighbors said or did anything." In my neighborhood, there's a lady who gripes and moans if you let your grass get a quarter of an inch too long or allow (gasp) a dandelion to sprout, or he doesn't like how your Christmas lights look! Wish she'd mind her own business!
Posted by: a daughter to someone Location: Lexington on Nov 2, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Reality Check: What makes anyone think the daughters could make a difference? Are you aware that a son or daughter has NO legal authority to force a parent to get help? So if the parent does not willingly get help there isn't much a child can do. Lay off on the daughters. I've already been through this with my own mom as she slipped into dementia and refused to even discuss the problem. Until there was a life-threatening crisis there was not much we, her daughters, could do.
Posted by: Sue Location: KY on Nov 2, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Social services cannot intervene unless a minor child is endangered. Clearly, this was not the case. If an adult person refuses help, unless they are an apparent danger to others, then there is no legal way to step in. I understand the children were in their 20's so social services could not be called.
Posted by: sue Location: ky on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I have a family member that is challenged this way. She collects all kinds of stuff and won't clean anything up. Her family can't eat at the table or sleep in their beds. This is not filth or garbage it is piles of clothes,toys, dishes, books,papers etc. Christmas trees and decorations that have been left up for over 5 yrs. This is a home in a very upscale area and money is no problem. We have all offered to help but only to be told to mind our own business. Maybe some good can come from this tragedy and my relative can get the help she needs before its to late.
Posted by: An Andover Snob Location: Andover on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:20 AM
To Jason: Save your gas and stay in Frankfort... You do not need to come all the way to Lexington to see what a rat infested house looks like, it soulds like you may already know. And yes, I am an Andover snob and proud of it! Jealousy will get you no where.
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Nov 2, 2007 at 11:06 AM
I also agree that this shouldn't be on the news every time we turn on the tv. Can't they find anything GOOD to put on the news anyway? The news people always run these stories to death every time they report something. I think they are just trying to take up tv time. If they do the same stories over and over, then they don't have to put a lot of effort into finding something else to send people out to report on. If the mother is mentally challenged, then why didn't the neighbors call social services to help her? Sure sounds like they were fully aware of the problem. As for her girls, they may have been ashamed of her and didn't go around her-which if that were the case, they should be ashamed of themselves for not helping her to get the proper medical attention.
Posted by: Jason Location: Frankfort on Nov 2, 2007 at 09:48 AM
To Catherine: If you live on the street that his house is on like you say....then why haven't YOU helped out? Oh...but it's ok to judge....right? I'll be one of the people driving down your street to see what a rat infested house in an "upscale" neighborhood looks likes. I'll honk my horn when I go by. SNOB!!
Posted by: Big Beara Location: Lexington on Nov 2, 2007 at 08:19 AM
To better understand this mental illness, I will raise the stakes, I am going to lock myself in my house and wear an adult diaper. Day 1 starts today people. Wish me luck. I love you all.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:31 AM
To neighbor: Did anyone on that street try to help? Are you too busy judging that you could not care for your neighbor?
Posted by: someone who cares Location: Lexington on Nov 2, 2007 at 07:22 AM
I know this person. Her daughters are in school in Lex and in their 20's. This woman is a wonderful person. I feel her daughters should have stepped in and fixed things and helped their mother. There mother has given them anything but all they do is treat her badly, now she is too blame? Its really easy to be mean to people but harder to be nice and lend a helping hand. She is mentally ill and needs someone, other than her daughers to step in and help. This does not need to bein on the news.
Posted by: Jeb Location: KY on Nov 2, 2007 at 06:14 AM
Kinda ironic in a way. Weren't there people in a certain "upscale" neighborhood complaining about some apartments built close to them being for low income and they were worried about problems. Seems to me, this neighborhood (a totally different one) did not have low income renters and has a problem with rats. Just shows that problems happen where you least expect it and don't happen where you most expect it. And yes, mental illness knows no income limits. Leave the lady alone and put your family or yourself in her shoes.
Posted by: Cleanliness counts Location: Ky. on Nov 2, 2007 at 05:14 AM
I full well agree that people should be clean as possible. Rodents and roaches are common household problems. It's not nasty to get them, but it's nasty to not do what it takes to get rid of them. Roaches can start simply by bringing in a cardboard box and not realizing the bugs are there. But this home is far beyond a couple bugs and a mouse or two. How did it ever get this far?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 04:03 PM
Obviously there is more to this story than these people being "(edited)," as it was so kindly put. This really should not even be on the news. It's interesting that the woman's name is not being used by the media, not that it should be. When the same thing happened downtown in a shotgun house, the woman's name and place of employment were immediately released and she was just a renter! Mental illness knows no income limits.
Posted by: swiss Location: Lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 03:08 PM
I met the woman she is in her mid 50's and her van was just as full as the house, she has needed mental help for many years. she never washed her clothes she would all ways be out at yard sales looking for new ones to put on.
Posted by: dan Location: bluegrass on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:59 PM
give this woman a break!
Posted by: Peggy Location: KY on Nov 1, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Uh folks,I THINK Dave from Garden Springs was being sarcastic.Calm down,people.He was joking.If the woman is mentally ill,and the neighbors have seen nasty before(neighbor's response)then why the (edited) didn't you call the health dept.two years ago?When people allow nasty to go on right next door and don't do anything,then they are the ones who have to deal with the rats,roaches and stench that's going to roll out of the place.GOOD LUCK with that!
Posted by: Chuck Location: Bluegrass on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:34 PM
For pity sake. Keep your pets inside and quit complaining about the traps. If the rats aren't caught, they'll eat your pets!! Be grateful for the traps. I would prefer they use a Smith and Wesson!
Posted by: None on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:33 PM
The girls are older than reported and mostly away, the lady is not as old as reported, the house is not worth what it is reported as it was never even completed by the builder. She has a mental disorder and can not get rid of anything out of fear of needing it someday. It is very sad for everyone.
Posted by: Mom Location: KY on Nov 1, 2007 at 12:12 PM
To Dave in Garden Springs-I'd hate to see how you live! Most people don't have rats! Clean people don't have roaches either!!
Posted by: John Location: Winchester on Nov 1, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Ex-landlord hit the nail on the head, Quit work, have four or five kids and you to can qualify for $900.00 to $1200.00 towards your monthly rent.I love this country!
Posted by: Greg Location: Hazard on Nov 1, 2007 at 09:56 AM
(edited). How hard is it to take out the trash?!
Posted by: Casey Location: Lex on Nov 1, 2007 at 08:56 AM
I hope the traps they have set for these rats don't pose a danger to the pets in the neighborhood.
Posted by: JJ Location: Lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 08:37 AM
There are obviously some mental health issues here. NO ONE voluntarily lives in squalid conditions such as this...I hope the 27 WKYT reporter and camera operator were wearing PPE if they entered the house.
Posted by: Neighbor on Nov 1, 2007 at 07:40 AM
This house has been scary for so long! We saw a refrigerator being used as a trash can on the front yard 2 years ago!!!
Posted by: Ex-Landlord on Nov 1, 2007 at 07:36 AM
Can you say section 8 Housing? It is no longer confined to the bad parts of town. Suckers!
Posted by: Kim Location: Lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:33 AM
It seems this may be more of a depression or possible mental issue with the home owner. It's no excuse, but I hope the family gets the help they need.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 06:28 AM
I like the part hwere he says "in this neighborhood" whats that mean just because ppl dont have lots of money that u should xspect that from poor ppl !
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:54 AM
In regards to Garden Springs comment: got roach problem: buy roach spray got rate/mice problem: buy traps got snake problems: trap or call animal control.....the end!
Posted by: concerned taxpayer Location: lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:49 AM
The city should step in regarding a situation like this. This affects other neighbors in the neighborhood. Sure, we all feel that government sticks their nose in our business at times, but this is truely a legit problem. If people don't want to take care their property, think about downsizing, maybe to an apartment. Then if things get out of hand, they'll evict you!
Posted by: Catherine Location: Lexington on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:38 AM
I live on this street and I am mortified by this event. I have enough problems with out people driving up and down my street to look at "the house". People, its a house!! Yes it is a horrible sight, but you don't need to drive by and see it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 1, 2007 at 05:29 AM
I can not understand...if this person was not even able to clean their home, how were they able to maintain and job and pay a mortgage and care for the children. Or were they working so much to pay that way to expensive mortage to care what their home turned into?
Posted by: sick Location: ky on Oct 31, 2007 at 07:49 PM
i dont care how rich or how poor you are there is no reason to live like that gross is not the word for that
Posted by: MOMMY 2 B Location: KY on Oct 31, 2007 at 07:24 PM
THIS KIND OF FILTH IS UNCALLED FOR...I MEAN WHO DOESN'T TAKE OUT THERE TRASH? I COULD NOT IMAGE LIVING LIKE THAT WITH RATS..I JUST HOPE THERE WERENT ANY CHILDREN THERE. LIKE MY DAD ALWAYS SAID "ITS NOT A SHAME TO GET RATS OR LICE AND SUCH, BUT IT IS A SHAME TO KEEP IT." I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!
Posted by: Dave Location: Garden Springs on Oct 31, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Who dosen't have a few rats running around thier house. They help control the roach population. If you want to control the rat population you need a couple of copperhead snakes. What does the city of Lexington think this house is the water company?
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