Do you see a rat? Report it!
Rats are a natural part of our environment. However, too many rats in one place can cause a nuisance. That is why the municipality of Geldrop-Mierlo has opted for a modern and targeted approach. We combine reports from residents with on-site investigations, information about the surrounding area, and smart rat traps—known as SmarTraps. This allows us to better identify where rats are active, where the nuisance may be coming from, and where additional measures are needed.
At the same time, we’re asking residents to help out. After all, it doesn’t take much for a rat to settle somewhere. Food, water, and a sheltered spot are sometimes all it takes. A few slices of bread on the street, birdseed on the ground, or trash next to a dumpster can feel to a rat like an invitation to a three-course meal.
That’s why we’re campaigning with a clear message: Don’t give the rat a reason to stay. Under the slogan “No plan to deal with rats? We do!” the city is joining forces with residents to combat rat infestations.
Working Together to Reduce Rat Problems
Do you see a rat? Please report it via the BuitenBeter app. A report tells us where a rat has been spotted. That’s important information. But it helps us even more if you can also indicate where you think the problem is coming from.
For example, you might notice rats regularly running around a certain Waste container . Or there might often be birdseed, chicken feed, or animal feed on the ground. Perhaps there’s a compost bin that isn’t sealed properly, you see rats running in and out of a shed, or there’s an area with dense vegetation, a woodpile, or another sheltered spot. An opening under a garden shed, barn, or building could also be of interest.
Not sure if this is the cause? Report your suspicion anyway. You don't have to be an expert. The municipality will then examine the broader area.
Have you seen a rat? Please report not only where you saw it, but also where you think it came from.
Why are we looking at a larger area?
A rat population is not confined to the boundaries of a home, yard, or street. Rats roam a larger area in search of food, water, and shelter. Therefore, the place where someone spots a rat is not necessarily where the rat lives or where the problem begins.
That is why, when we receive a report, we examine the entire surrounding area. We combine reports from residents with on-site investigations and information about previous reports. We also look for potential food sources and hiding places, as well as the data collected by SmarTraps.
In this way, we’re not only trying to find the rat, but above all to understand why rats are in that particular spot and where the population is located. This makes it possible to carry out more targeted control measures while also addressing the conditions that allow rats to keep coming back.
The city does not intend to blame residents for the rat problem. However, small changes can make a big difference. After all, if there’s no food waiting for them, it becomes much less appealing for a rat to come back.
So don't give the rat a reason to stay. Don't turn your yard into a restaurant.
Smart Pest Control with the SmarTrap
The municipality has chosen to use the SmarTrap as part of its strategy. A SmarTrap is a smart rat trap that digitally records whether there is rat activity and when a rat is caught.
The SmarTrap works without rat poison and records rat activity and captures. The information collected by the traps gives the municipality a better picture of what is happening in an area. This allows us to see where rats are active, how their activity is evolving, and where additional measures may be needed. So the SmarTrap doesn’t just help us catch rats. Above all, the data helps us better understand the rat population and carry out pest control in a more targeted manner.
The SmarTraps are inspected and maintained by authorized staff. If you see a SmarTrap, do not touch it, open it, or move it.
Together Against Rats
A rat infestation is not just a problem for a single home, yard, or street. The municipality conducts investigations, monitors the situation, and implements targeted control measures where necessary. Residents can help by reporting rat infestations and arranging their surroundings in such a way that rats have a harder time finding food and hiding places.
“A rat doesn’t care much about any of our plans. It’s just looking for food and a safe place. That’s why we need each other. We target rats specifically with the SmarTrap. But residents can help, too: don’t turn your yard into a restaurant, and report it if you see rats. After all, why would a rat move if a meal is waiting for it every day? With all the reports and information from the area, we can take a much more targeted approach. No plan for rats? We do!”