The TikToker Betyimar Pérez (@betyimarperez) has captured widespread attention with her viral video revealing unexpected challenges of life in New York City. In her candid "story time," Betyimar shares her "traumatic" encounters with rats, a nuisance she claims is prevalent both on the streets and inside homes.
"I was sprinting down the middle of the street at 9 PM, not because a thief was chasing me... but because rats were," Betyimar recounts with a mix of laughter and fear, describing the rodents as being as large as dogs. She recalls a recent incident where one of these rats bumped into her foot, prompting her to run down the road in panic. "I’d rather be hit by a car than a rat," she jokes.
Furthermore, Betyimar explains how these rats have infiltrated her home, even making their way into her kitchen by gnawing through barriers to feast on her food: "They devoured like four bananas... they were set for the week." She describes their presence in restaurants, subway stations, and across the streets, especially after dark, and mentions also dealing with cockroaches and other pest issues. "Social media doesn’t show this; behind the pretty pictures and Times Square, there are rats and roaches," she insists.
Community Reactions: Humor and Concern
Betyimar's story has sparked a wave of reactions from viewers who either relate to her experience or are shocked by her revelations. Comments ranged from disbelief to humor: "Those aren’t rats, they’re opossums"; "I can’t believe she’s wiping her face with her gloves"; "That’s not a rat, it’s a rabbit"; "Girl, it’s the same here in Miami, lots of rats and roaches—solution: get a cat," some users suggested. Another user warned about the health risks: "Be careful, rats can spread leptospirosis, which is deadly."
Most followers reacted with a mix of surprise and laughter, while some offered practical advice like adopting a cat or using boric acid to manage the pests. One viewer confessed, "I’m thoroughly entertained. Thanks for sharing your experiences and being real." However, others were so alarmed by her account that they vowed to avoid New York: "Girl, I’m not even visiting"; "Lost all desire to go there, no thanks."
Unexpected Realities of Urban Life
Betyimar concludes her video by expressing gratitude for the opportunities she’s had in the United States, but admits that dealing with pests is a reality she was not prepared for before moving. Judging by the over 20,000 likes and hundreds of comments her video has garnered, it seems her story has struck a chord with many who face similar "realities" in their cities.