Watch CBS News

Annapolis Couple Suing After Snake Infestation

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--An Annapolis couple says they've been forced out of their home by snakes.

Pat Warren reports, the couple is now suing their realtor for $2 million.

This isn't the first case of snake infestation seen in Annapolis, but the Brooks family says their situation makes their home unlivable.

The first sign of trouble was a glue trap.

The snakes on the trap and skins found around the house signaled trouble for Jeff and Jody Brooks  shortly after they moved in in January.

In April, they encountered the real thing.

"We've learned from speaking with some prior tenants that lived in the home who've reached out to us just for support that this has been an ongoing problem," said Jody Brooks.

Jeff says, "I couldn't come back here."

"My first question was help me emotionally, tell me this snake would never have mistaken our four month old baby for vermin and curled up in the crib with her."

They called an expert who opened a wall to find snake highways tunneled into the house. They claim the realtor misled them.

"She said she had the world come out and look at it and tell her it was no problem. Who do you trust? A rumor in the neighborhood or a licensed agent" said Jody.

"You should let somebody know of every possible issue when you're buying a house," Jeff said.

The family has moved in with relatives, while fighting a legal battle to recover their cost and damages.

An attorney representing the realtor tells WJZ it is against the real estate agency's policy to comment on active litigation.

The lawsuit alleges the family has suffered respiratory health issues likely caused by excessive snake waste.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.