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.”
Neighbors across the street from the complex say the rodent traps placed by management have been ineffective. Several have resorted to paying for private pest control, spending thousands of dollars out of pocket in an attempt to protect their homes and families.
“It’s mind-blowing,” said Smith. “I mean, we’re fighting rodents. This is a public health crisis.”
City Officials and Apartment Ownership Under Fire
Both residents and neighboring homeowners say the property owner has failed to act. Repeated outreach from Smith and 7News has gone unanswered. Meanwhile, city offices are trying to provide guidance, but residents say stronger intervention is needed.
Smith says he’s now planning to escalate the issue.
“I’m going to reach out to my councilperson, and also, the city told me to reach out to the mayor,” he said. “They need to find these people somewhere else to live, clean this place up, and sell it to someone who’s actually going to help the community.”
Health and Safety in Jeopardy
As the infestation continues, residents worry about the broader implications. Rodents are known to carry disease, and the growing trash piles only increase the risk of contamination and health hazards for families—especially children and the elderly.
7News has pledged to continue advocating for residents by coordinating with D.C.’s Office of the Tenant Advocate and providing updates as efforts to resolve the issue move forward.
For now, Southeast D.C. residents remain trapped in a daily struggle against rats, trash, and an absentee landlord—with no clear end in sight.
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