Preventing rats

Do it together

It is important to join forces with your neighbors in the fight against rats. After all, it is pointless if neighbor 1 takes measures but neighbor 2 does not. The nuisance will continue. So join forces!

Recognizing rats

Rats are larger than mice. A rat's tail is thicker than a mouse's tail. Their ears are smaller and their paws are larger.

Rat droppings are much larger than those of a mouse. They are approximately 2 cm long and 0.5 cm thick and lie in piles. Mouse droppings resemble grains of rice. They are scattered around.

Tips for controlling rats

West Maas en Waal is a water-rich area. Rats often live in and around the water. Sometimes they expand their habitat. They do this when there is food, nesting opportunities, and shelter elsewhere. 

Tips about feed/food scraps

• Store feed in a tightly sealed container.
• Do not throw trash or food on the ground.
• Feed small amounts to birds.
• Feed in measured portions so that there is no food left out overnight.
• Do not feed bread to ducks, goats, or pigs in the vicinity.
• Do not scatter chicken/rabbit feed in the garden. Feed your animals using a feeding trough in an enclosed space.
• Rats can stock up on walnuts, hazelnuts, and fruit for the winter. Clean this up as much as possible.
• Do you have a pond with fish? Do not feed your fish more than they can eat. Store the food in a sealed container.

Tips for your environment

• Use double-wire mesh for a run.
• Seal any holes that rats can get through.
• Keep the area clean, tidy up any clutter around your house and shed as much as possible. Rats can use this as a hiding place.
• Make sure you do not provide nesting opportunities; do not pile up waste wood or garden waste, but clear it away.
• Do you have pallets with split wood? Place them on a concrete or tile surface. This will prevent rats from getting underneath them.
• Place grilles or mesh with openings of no more than 5 mm in air ducts or ventilation or exhaust pipe penetrations.