Rat study complete in Columbus neighborhood

COLUMBUS (AP) — A study by the Columbus health department found evidence of rat activity in one of every three properties it examined in a popular city neighborhood.

Columbus Public Health has been working with residents in Clintonville north of the Ohio State University campus to find solutions to the problem.

WCHM-TV in Columbus reports that the study released Wednesday looked at more than 800 properties. Health officials say cutting off rats’ access to food, water and shelter is key.

Some neighbors say rats are digging underneath enclosed compost piles.

A proposed city budget allots two positions to work directly on the rat problem.

The city has received dozens of complaints about rats involving rental properties this year.