Eindhoven care facility receives NVWA warning over rat infestation

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has issued a warning to a residential care complex in Eindhoven following the discovery of rat droppings in the kitchen area. The inspection was prompted by complaints from residents, including one elderly woman who reported being bitten by a rat in her room.

Family members of a resident with dementia reported that rats had entered living quarters, consuming cleaning supplies and incontinence materials. While the care provider, Vitalis, has engaged professional pest controllers, the housing corporation Wooninc is working with the facility to resolve the ongoing issue.

Experts from the Knowledge and Advisory Centre for Animal Plagues (KAD) suggest that increasing reports of rodent sightings in areas like Eindhoven and Tilburg may be linked to drought conditions, driving rats toward human environments in search of water. To prevent infestations, experts recommend sealing building openings, maintaining clean environments, and ensuring food and waste are stored in airtight containers.