The rat infestation in Arnold has now become so bad that your car has to be towed.

The city government is trying to tackle the problem by reducing the amount of waste lying around on properties, streets and alleys. It says rats are attracted to waste lying in plastic bags along alleys instead of being thrown in garbage bins.

Rodents can easily tear the bags to search for leftover food, and the garbage ends up scattered, making the situation even worse.

Timely garbage collection is an essential part of the solution, but Arnold officials say garbage trucks often don’t have access because people park in the alleys.

“Do not park in alleys or your vehicle will be moved to another location and you will have to pay for it,” said Police Chief Josh Stanga.

Councilwoman Deb Vernon also reminded residents that they must place their garbage at the curb for it to be picked up.

“Garbage collectors are not allowed to enter private property to pick up garbage,” she said. “So if you have your garbage cans on the driveway and not in the alley, they will not be picked up.”

In addition, Vernon said, residents should not let their neighbors get away with not properly disposing of their trash or maintaining their property.

“If you notice your neighbors aren’t taking out their trash, call the city council,” Vernon advised. “If your neighbors have fruit trees and the fruit has fallen and is just rotting on the ground, call the city council.”

Another part of the problem is abandoned properties that are falling into disrepair and becoming nesting and breeding grounds for rats, which local residents have complained about.

Mayor Shannon Santucci said a major obstacle is the lengthy process of demolishing such buildings.

“The demolition of 41 buildings is planned and we are already on the third,” said Santucci.

However, she stressed that the destruction of the buildings and the rat problem did not arise within a few weeks or months.

“Remember, this is nothing new; this has been going on for many years,” Santucci said.