Rats in the city: why they thrive and how to protect yourself

In many big cities, the issue of rats regularly makes the news. Building sites, milder winters and food waste create ideal conditions for these prolific rodents. A single pair of rats can be behind several hundred descendants in a year.

Why rats are gaining ground

Several factors explain their spread:

• the abundance of food from poorly stored waste;
• construction work that disturbs underground networks and pushes rats to the surface;
• milder winters that limit winter mortality;
• a high density of hiding places (cellars, crawl spaces, water networks).

Urban bins, a source of food for rodents

The signs of a presence

Look for droppings shaped like dark grains of rice, gnaw marks on packaging and cables, night-time noises in the walls and grease marks along the walls. In a business, the presence of rodents can lead to an administrative closure.

Faced with an established infestation, consumer solutions quickly show their limits: rats are wary and breed faster than they are caught.

Prevent and treat effectively

Prevention rests on three pillars: remove food (closed bins, airtight storage), block access (mesh, door sweeps) and monitor regularly. Once an infestation is confirmed, a professional sets up a rodent-control plan with secured bait stations and documented follow-up. Request a free quote for a solution tailored to your home or premises.

To round out your protection, secured bait stations and anti-rodent grilles limit intrusions day to day.