Man issued citation for rats says he's trying to get rid of them

May 25, 2016 at 12:02a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

John Trolio has been renovating the home he rents on Powers Way, and as he got rid of items inside, he left them in the yard, which invited unwanted guests: rats.

Trolio, 34, was cited by Community Police Unit officers about 1 p.m. Monday on a charge of rodent harborage, and he had an initial appearance in municipal court Tuesday.

Trolio told the officers he has been trying to get rid of the rats, but a report accompanying the citation said that the front yard was unkempt and a haven for rats.

However, on Tuesday, the front yard was almost clear of debris. Trolio said he began having the debris hauled away after he was cited. He also has contacted an exterminator to get rid of the rats, and the exterminator was at his home twice Tuesday.

Trolio said he has lived in the home for five years but did not notice any rats until the winter weather left the area. He said he put poison down, and the rats stayed away for awhile, but then they came back.

Trolio said he thinks the rats are coming from several vacant and abandoned homes close to his. He said when some homes were torn down or caught fire, the rats moved to his yard, and the debris that was out front. He said so far, none has made it into his home.

“It wasn’t a problem before,” Trolio said. “But now I’m getting it.”

The charge is a minor misdemeanor. Trolio’s next court appearance is set for June 13 before Judge Robert Milich.