Landlord ignoring massive, growing hornet/wasp nest in patio closet (Wisconsin) – What are my legal options?
I have a massive, rapidly growing hornet/wasp nest inside the patio storage closet attached to my unit. The insects have now started building a second nest on the opposite side of my patio. It is an active safety hazard that completely prevents me from using my patio or accessing my storage closet safely.
Timeline & Communication:
Thursday (8/13): First reported the nest to my landlord via text with photos. No reply.
Saturday (8/15): Sent a follow-up text with updated photos showing growth. No reply.
Monday (8/17): Sent two more follow-up text messages. No reply.
Today (Wednesday, 8/19): Sent a formal deadline text at 5:30 AM requesting written confirmation by 12:00 PM today that a licensed exterminator has been scheduled, noting I would contact City Code Enforcement otherwise. Still no reply.
My landlord's only communication channel is text, and they have completely gone silent for nearly a week while this safety hazard grows every day.
Since my landlord missed the 12:00 PM deadline, I called Inspection Services / Health Department in my city and left a message and haven't received a call back yet. Has anyone in Milwaukee County dealt with code enforcement for pest issues? How quickly do they usually force a landlord to act?
I cannot afford to pay hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket for a private exterminator right now. Under Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 704.07), what is the safest way to handle this financially without risking an eviction notice or nonpayment issues?
Does rent abatement apply to unusable patio/storage space due to a severe pest hazard under WI law, and how do I officially request it?
Any advice or experiences with local WI tenant laws and city code enforcement would be greatly appreciated!