Residents and business owners along República del Salvador Avenue in Quito are demanding urgent action from city authorities after reporting a growing rat infestation in the area, particularly near the intersection with Moscú Street.
Neighbors say the problem has worsened because garbage bags from restaurants and food businesses are being left outside, attracting rodents that emerge from nearby sewers to feed.
Community and security committees from the neighborhood publicly called on Mayor Pabel Muñoz to intervene, saying residents have repeatedly requested sewer cleaning and stronger sanitation measures over the years without lasting results.
Local representatives said authorities have identified at least 50 active rat burrows in the area.
Residents are also asking officials to enforce existing ordinances that prohibit feeding pigeons in public spaces, arguing that leftover food contributes to the sanitation problem. They additionally requested stricter oversight of garbage disposal practices by restaurants and commercial establishments, including penalties for businesses that place trash outside collection schedules.
Complaints were also directed toward workers associated with the city’s rotating and paid parking system, with residents alleging that littering has contributed to deteriorating conditions along sidewalks and green areas.
The Municipal Animal Welfare Unit said it is maintaining active technical monitoring and pest control efforts in the República del Salvador and Moscú corridor.
Officials reported that inspections found food waste scattered near flowerbeds and green spaces, along with visible pathways used by rodents between burrows and garbage accumulation points.
In March, crews placed rodenticide bait in active burrows and critical areas as part of a rodent control campaign. Authorities said monitoring efforts continue to evaluate the effectiveness of those measures.
The agency also urged restaurants, building managers, businesses, and residents to follow proper waste disposal schedules and sanitation practices to help control the infestation.