Several localities are in trouble with ever-increasing rat populations. There are many reasons for the proliferation of linetails. A responsible person may be looking in the mirror when glancing at it.
Rat sightings have increased in cities and smaller towns as well.
For example, in Lahti, the city has already received fifty notifications from different parts of the city this year. On an annual basis, it is the same as last year and the year before that.
He thinks that because of remote work, people are more alert and contact the authorities more sensitively. Social media may also play a role in increasing attentiveness.
Rats squeal into the daylight
From the number of notifications, you cannot directly draw conclusions about the number of rats, but according to Sami Niemelä, the problem is real. There are more rats, and they have started to be seen during the day as well.
– Many things affect. For example, 2020 had a really mild winter, which has created favorable conditions for rats to reproduce.
In Lahti, information events are planned for the autumn for residents to curb rat problems.
The city carries out prevention measures in its own land areas. In housing stock companies, it is advisable to report rat sightings to the plot owner or property manager. In detached houses, the property owner is responsible for his own living environment.
According to Niemelä, it would be important for residential areas to join forces in eradicating rats. Cooperation makes prevention more effective and costs can be shared. Pest control is not cheap, especially if it has to be done over several years. The price tag may then rise to thousands of euros.
Human actions help rats to survive
Rodent poisons were removed from the reach of consumers in 2018, and the city is also commissioning professionals to take stronger control measures. Rats have been repelled in Lahti, both near the market and in residential areas outside the city center.
Currently, poisonings are being carried out, for example, in Etelä Lahti near supermarkets and eateries. Construction works, such as the construction of a storm water system, set rat populations on the move to look for new places to live.
The area also offers favorable conditions for the reproduction of whitetails.
Keep the environment clean
Kare Seppälä has worked in the field for over 30 years. The change in the law related to rodenticides can be seen at work.
– There has been a great rise in the last five years. When private individuals are no longer allowed to use poisons, the only option left for them is to offend.
A rat is omnivorous, it eats almost anything. Seppälä says that humans can influence how often rats search nearby roads to roost.
The most important thing is to keep the living area and yards clean. Put the garbage in its proper place and make sure that the garbage containers are closed and the canopies are in order.
– There is much more to do than poisoning. First we prevent and limit, then we poison, says Seppälä.