Bruges allocates €875,000 for pest control measures

The city of Bruges is planning to allocate approximately €875,000 for a new pest control framework agreement covering the period from 2027 to 2030. The initiative aims to expand control measures to private properties through a municipal contract.

The proposal has sparked debate within the city council. Opposition members raised concerns regarding the use of rat poison and the management of street waste. Some officials advocated for a stronger focus on prevention, such as improving waste container systems and addressing household, business, and tourist waste to limit food sources for rodents.

Franky Demon, the Alderman for Public Domain, defended the city’s current approach, stating that the municipal rat catcher primarily utilizes traps and digital monitoring systems. He noted that poison is only considered an option when other methods prove insufficient, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.