State offices on Southern Expressway in Cape have rat problem

Leased state offices on Southern Expressway in Cape Girardeau apparently have a rat problem, discovered after the stench of a decaying animal generated complaints from workers stationed there.

No actual rats have been seen, said Brian Quinn, spokesman for the state Department of Health and Senior Services, one of two state departments with offices at 710 Southern Expressway.

The conclusion that rats were the culprit was made by Orkin Pest Control based on animal droppings found in the ceilings of the building. Orkin was the second pest control company hired by Wilson Leasing of Caruthersville, Mo., owned by Terry M. Wilson.

The problem is being addressed by setting out a poison that makes the rats thirsty in hopes that will drive them from the building, Quinn said.

"The design is not to provide them any water sources within the building," Quinn said. "They have set traps inside and outside the building. They have been looking at the situation, identifying all the entry points. When they feel the building has been cleared of rats, if and when they feel they have taken care of the rats, they will close the entry points."

Wilson receives $166,339 annually to rent the building's 19,325 square feet of office space to the state. It houses offices of the Family Support Division of the Department of Social Services with workers who enforce child support orders and work with applicants for food stamps and welfare payments. It also houses offices of three divisions of the health agency, the Division of Senior and Disability Services, the Division of Regulation and Licensure and the Division of Community and Public Health.

State offices have been housed in the building for several years. The current leases are set to expire Dec. 31.

No employees have been sent home because of the problem, Quinn said. Orkin was on the site last Thursday, and employees were encouraged to arrange site visits and do other work outside the office. On Friday, employees were given the option of working in the building or working from offices on Broadway. This week, employees have been expected to report for work.

The department is concerned about worker welfare and wants workers to be comfortable in their offices, Quinn said.

"We are staying sensitive to people's fear and loathing," he said.

The Department of Social Services is relying on the owner and the Office of Administration, which handles all state leases, to deal with the issue, said Arleasha Mays, spokeswoman for the department.

Wilson did not return a call to his Caruthersville insurance brokerage seeking comment.

Landlords are responsible for keeping leased offices free of vermin, said Lori Simms, spokeswoman for the Office of Administration. At 710 Southern Expressway, the situation is being monitored and employees working there have been informed of the findings and been assured there is no health risk, she said.

In addition, the employees have been given tips on how to prevent a further infestation, Simms said.

The first pest control company, which Quinn did not identify, was called in after workers heard noises and wondered whether the building had mice or if a squirrel had entered the building. That exterminator put out poison, which likely killed the animal that employees later smelled.

"It crawled off somewhere, maybe down a wall, and died," Quinn said. "They have not been able to retrieve a body yet. The smell is starting to abate, but the smell has been pretty powerful recently."

rkellersemissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

710 Southern Expressway, Cape Girardeau, MO