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Rat afraid in a circle: How to prevent the plague in your environment!
In the district of Germersheim, rumors are circulating about a plague of rat. Doctors emphasize that the situation is under control and give tips on fighting.
Rat afraid in a circle: How to prevent the plague in your environment!
More and more Cologne citizens are reporting rat sightings in their surroundings. Despite these alarming notes, the health department emphasizes that there is currently no rat plague in the district. Significantly fewer reports about the rodents were registered compared to previous years. In 2024 there were only two and so far three confirmed sightings. The experts find that the rat populations are particularly visible where there are sufficient food sources and nesting opportunities. Milder weather also favors the settlement of these animals.
In order to counteract the supposed rat problem, the health department provides for various protective measures. When combating rats, responsibility initially lies with the citizens. With small changes in his behavior, each individual can contribute to the fact that rats do not become even more numerous. Packaging material belongs to the corresponding garbage cans and not wrong. Also, bulky waste should not be stored wildly in cellars or farms, but should be properly disposed of. Overgrown shrubs and the cleanliness of the garbage stands are also important factors that have to be taken into account.
Uncertainty in the population
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Occupational Medicine is currently examining how the use of rat toxins can be regulated in the future. In a "fire letter", associations and companies warn of the risk of rat plague if private control means are no longer available. SBM Life Science is currently the only provider in Germany to sell these special active ingredients. The company emphasizes that health protection has the highest priority and warn of defective measures against a possible rat population.
Sustainable solutions asked
The discussion about rat management also raises major questions. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the rat population turns out to be stable or even increasing in many places. Factors such as climate change, urbanization and the growth of the city population promote the problem. Experts therefore recommend designing cities unattractive for rats. The “Karma” campaign lays the cornerstones for sustainable rat management, which is intended to reduce food sources in parks, playgrounds and sewers. More hygiene standards and a coordinated approach are essential.
In this context, simple but effective measures are helpful. Food residues should be disposed of in special garbage buckets, wild garbage deposits are to be removed and closed access to buildings. Encourable examples from New Orleans and Tokyo show that the rat reports are declining through effective rat management and high hygiene standards.
A community awareness of littering behavior and cooperation between the city administration and the population are the key to getting rat infestations under control.