Rat nuisance reports increase in Dutch municipalities

Reports of rat nuisance are being addressed in multiple Dutch locations, including Zwolle and Veldhoven.

In Zwolle, residents near the Meeuwenlaan asylum center and the Kamperpoort district have reported sightings of brown rats, sometimes during daylight hours. Local council member Evelina Bijleveld noted that reports regarding this issue have reportedly existed since 2017. While the pest control organization ROVA confirmed receiving reports in the area, they stated that the asylum center itself does not fall under their municipal mandate for pest control. Residents have expressed concerns regarding hygiene and potential health risks for children playing near local water sources.

In Veldhoven, the municipality reported a slight increase in nuisance reports. A spokesperson for Veldhoven, Sonja Wagemans, clarified that an increase in reports does not necessarily indicate a larger rat population, but may reflect more frequent reporting by citizens. Due to stricter regulations on rodenticide, the municipality has shifted its strategy toward removing food sources and shelters. Veldhoven has previously utilized ground-anchored traps in areas such as 't Look and Oerle Zuid to manage the issue.