Tackling nuisance black rats.
Residents who are bothered by black rats in and around their home will certainly be there have to work on yourself. This is the position of the municipality of Eindhoven as a result of the 2 nd pilot that was carried out in the Achtse Barrier and the Temple districts. although a joint approach to rat hotspots in those neighborhoods shows good results, remains prevention is better than cure according to the municipality. Following an earlier pilot in Blixembosch, between June and October 2022, 2 other districts followed the same approach. In collaboration with the Knowledge and Adviescentrum Dierplagen (KAD) rats were counted, caught and given residents advice on how to keep these animals out of their homes and gardens. After that it became measured once.
In the first measurement, wildlife cameras at various locations recorded a total of almost 2000 rats observed. This includes a lot of double counting, which reduces the number present rats is difficult to interpret. In the traps set by a rodent exterminator, in a total of 23 rats were caught. During the post-measurement only rats were used sporadically perceived.
If you look at the figures, you can see that the approach was a success. However, the KAD warned
but for the future, since the advice to keep rats out by residents is only limited follow-up. If food and opportunities for nesting remain present, control has only a temporary effect.
As of January 1, 2023, the use of rat poison by private individuals is prohibited. Set a trap is still allowed, although rats in particular are very good at avoiding traps. The However, the Dutch Association of Pest Management fears that the nuisance caused by rats will increase. The solution to the rat problem lies in a centrally organized system approach to pest control. Municipalities should take the lead take to make people aware of the possibilities. There is a need for direction and a joint one approach. The municipality of Eindhoven has updated the information for residents, but will no new pilots will be started for the time being. However, there will be residents’ evenings as a nuisance increases somewhere.
There is still a rat infestation in Blixembosch. We will therefore take a few organize residents’ evenings. Interested parties can register by email to voorzitter@blixembosch.com.
The board…