When The Building’s Away The Rats Will Play

A Carroll Gardens street now knows that rats need buildings in which to live:

A Carroll Gardens block has been taken over by rats, and the city Health Department has done little to combat the menacing pests, residents say.

Since a demolition project began on a Luquer St. lot last fall, rats have made the street their home, scurrying around in broad daylight, diving into garbage cans and nesting in car engines.

“They sit there and look at you; they are not afraid,” said Lisa Demaio, 29.

To get inside her building, the mother of two young girls said she’s forced to throw bottles “to scatter the rats.”

Yesterday, a rodent lay dead next to three overturned traps in front of the lot.

. . .

Residents believe the rats were stirred up by the demolition work at 100 Luquer St., where an 11-story condominium tower is set to rise.

An owner of the lot agreed — but said there is little he can do.

“Rats are not something we can control,” said Moses Gross, a partner on the construction project.

Gross said his office has hired an exterminator, who is set to begin work next week after receiving repeated calls from neighbors.

“I don’t think it will help,” he said. “Every time you do a demolition, they come out.”