Residents of Vangaži apartment block plagued by cellar odour after rodent control

Residents of a five-storey apartment building in Vangaži, Latvia, are complaining about an unbearable smell that has recently spread through the building. The cause was unclear for a long time, until residents discovered what was in the cellar. The situation was reported by the TV3 programme "Bez Tabu" and affects people who are unhappy with how the building manager has responded.

What residents say

Biruta, a resident, says she was heading out for a walk with her dog one morning when she saw a neighbour carrying bicycles out of the cellar. When the cellar door was opened, it became clear where the smell was coming from. Biruta describes the conditions as unsanitary.

Another resident, Sofija, says the odour is so strong that it causes her concern. In her words, it is especially noticeable in the mornings, when everything is closed. At first she thought cats might have died down there.

Possible cause

Residents have concluded that the smell may be linked to recent deratization, meaning rodent control, organised by the building's manager, SIA Vilkme. Neighbours also found dried-up rat carcasses in their cellar storage areas.

The manager's response

Biruta contacted the manager but, according to her, was told that nothing could be done. She says she went to the company's office and explained the problem, saying it is impossible to stand by the front door. In her account, company representatives listened calmly and repeated that there was little they could do. Biruta invited them to come and smell the air themselves so they would understand she was serious.

The source does not say whether the manager plans any further steps.