Spain is grappling with a growing rat infestation, with nearly 20 million estimated to be living across the country—equivalent to four rats for every ten residents. This alarming increase has prompted several cities to take urgent action to combat the surge in rodent populations, which poses significant public health and safety concerns.
According to an article from Antena 3 recent reports indicate that the rat population in Spain has reached unprecedented levels. A study by EZSA Sanidad Ambiental suggests that the actual number of rodents could be even higher. This surge has led to the implementation of deratisation campaigns in various cities and increased monitoring in areas where the presence of rats is most pronounced.
Cities affected by the infestation
In the Galician city Vigo, the Old Town area has been severely affected by a rat infestation, forcing some residents to abandon their homes. Streets like Rúa Cruz Verde and Abeleira Menéndez have become hotspots for these rodents, leading to growing concerns about public health and safety.
Talavera de la Reina in Toledo has also faced significant challenges with rat populations, particularly in La Alameda park. The problem escalated after a resident began feeding ducks at the local lake, inadvertently attracting rats as well. In response, the local council has launched an urgent deratisation campaign.
Getafe In the Madrid region, complaints about rat sightings have surged in recent years. Antonio José Mesa, a spokesperson for the local PP party, highlighted the severity of the issue, calling for more decisive action from the city council to address the infestation.
Causes of the rat population boom
Several factors contribute to the rapid increase in Spain’s rat population. The expansion of urban green spaces has created ideal habitats for these rodents. Meanwhile, climate change has altered ecosystems, enabling rats to thrive in areas where they were previously uncommon. Additionally, researchers at the National Institute for Agricultural and Food Research and Technology (INIA) have discovered genetic mutations in rats across twelve autonomous communities that make them resistant to traditional rat poisons, complicating efforts to control the population.
The return of the black rat
For years, it was believed that the black rat was nearly extinct in Spain. Only a small population was remaining in the upper levels of buildings. However, the species has made a comeback, likely due to the growth of urban green spaces and the decline of degraded areas that once favoured sewer rats. The National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA) has linked the reappearance of black rats to these environmental changes.
A global issue
Spain is not alone in facing a rat infestation crisis. Cities like Paris, New York, and London are also dealing with similar challenges. In Paris, tourists have exacerbated the problem by leaving food waste in public areas. Leading to a proliferation of rats in iconic locations such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and along the Seine. In New York, the situation became so dire that the city appointed Kathy Corradi as its director of rodent mitigation in 2023, with a salary of $155,000 per year as part of a multimillion-dollar campaign to reduce the rat population.
In London, it is often said that one is never more than two metres away from a rat. With an estimated 10 million rats in the UK, experts warn that many of these rodents are immune to common poisons, making control efforts increasingly difficult.
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