Prevent nuisance rats

Feed animals wisely

(Supplemental) feeding of ducks, birds or other animals attracts rats. There is no need to feed ducks or birds. A small amount of bird food that can be eaten immediately is enough for the birds.

Keep the garden free of trash and food scraps

Clean up (garden) trash. Trash piles and compost piles, especially with food scraps, attract rats.

Seal seams and cracks

Seal open joints and cracks in your home and barn. Think about the connection of the roof tiles to the gables and joints. An opening of 1 centimeter can be enough to get inside.

No trash in bags

Make sure the dumpster is securely closed and do not leave
no garbage bags with food waste next to the dumpster
stand.

Highlighted text: Tip: Keep your PMD bag in a sealed container.

Aviaries and animal pens

You often find rats near aviaries and animal pens looking for food scraps.

Highlighted text: Tip: Store food overnight. And give your animals the right amount of food so they can eat it right away.

Want to know more about rat behavior? Or would you like tips and tricks to prevent rat nuisance? Then contact the municipality on telephone number 0492 378 500.

Recognizing rats

How do you know if you are suffering from rats? The signs of rodents in the garden can vary by species. The general signs are nesting areas under garbage, woodwork, downspouts and in and around sheds and greenhouses. Rodents usually feed at night. If you see a rat in the garden, make a report link icon or call the municipality at 0492 378 500.

Signs of rats in the garden

• Cavities or holes about 6 to 9 cm in diameter in quiet places.
• Run tracks on walls, benches, hedges and through plantings. Rats remember their routes and use them again and again - to and from their hiding places.
• Traces of belly grease on and around stone, wood or metal, such as on steps, thresholds, fences and doorposts.
• Droppings between 15 and 20 mm long, cylindrical, flat on one side and pointed on the other. Or pointed on two sides. They are moist when fresh, but dry up fairly quickly.
• Damage to packaging, doors and fencing.

It is important to fight against rats together with your neighbors, because it makes no sense if neighbor one takes measures, but not neighbor two. Do you want to fight rat infestation together with your neighbors? We can advise you on how to go about it. Please contact the municipality by calling 0492 378 500.

• Are you still suffering from rats despite all the tips and measures? Try to catch them with clamps or a trap. Make sure children or pets do not get hurt.
• For rat nuisance, make a report to the municipality. The municipality forwards the report to a contracted pest controller. He will contact you to make an appointment for advice at your home. The pest controller will examine the situation and advise you on the best way to control rats.