The increase in the rat population in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia has ceased to be a simple perception and has become a phenomenon documented by experts. According to the National Association of Environmental Health Companies (ANECPLA)“it is not just a citizen sensation: our associated companies also see an uptick in warnings and interventions, even in areas where it was not common to detect them before,” says Sergio Monge, president of the organization, in a statement.
This increase affects both public and private spaces and is attributed to the combination of toughest rats and regulatory restrictions that limit control tools.
“Rats constitute a serious threat to public health, as they are known vectors of more than thirty diseases“Warned Monge. Among them are leptospirosis, salmonellosis and Weil’s disease, which turns each outbreak into a real health risk for the population.
The problem is not exclusive to Spain. An international study led by Jonathan Richardson of the University of Richmond analyzed data from 16 cities over more than 12 years. The authors concluded that “the warmest temperatures “They extend the period of activity of the rats and promote their reproduction.”
He global warming and the accelerated urbanization have imposed the growth of rat populations in cities such as Washington DC, New York and Amsterdam, while only three cities, including New Orleans, recorded decreases.
“One or two more weeks of surface activity can translate into one or two episodes additional reproductiveaccelerating population growth,” explained Richardson.
Likewise, urbanization and population density offer rats more shelter and food sources, facilitating their proliferation: “As cities grow and densify, rats find more shelter and food sourceswhich facilitates its proliferation,” pointed out the ANECPLA researchers.
But rat control involves considerable expense. A 2007 study estimated that in the United States losses due to damage to infrastructure and contamination of food reached 27 billion dollars per year (23,140 million euros).
Furthermore, the constant presence of these rodents can affect mental health of the inhabitants, generating stress and anxiety in communities with high infestation rates.
The problem is replicated in Europe. Berlin houses around two million rats, while Paris It has nearly four million on the banks of the Seine alone.
In Englandspecimens up to 56 centimeters have been captured. Piet Maas, known as the “Pied Piper of Tilburg,” noted: “Believe me, a wolf is a charm compared to the rat. Barn fires, damage to houses, spread of diseases: the rat is responsible for everything.”
The root of the problem, according to experts, lies in human behavior. “Where there are people, there are rats“The accumulation of waste, poor garbage management and lack of maintenance in urban infrastructure create the ideal environment for its proliferation.
ANECPLA advises citizens and authorities to take concrete measures to prevent the proliferation of rats. Among them, the proper use of the garbage containersavoid the accumulation of waste in patios and common areas, maintain drainage systems in good condition and do not leave food remains outdoors.
In case of plague, the organization insists on only going to companies registered in the Official Registry of Biocidal Establishments and Services (ROESB)thus guaranteeing safe and effective interventions. Additionally, ANECPLA requests that public contracts prioritize technical quality and safety over price, ensuring professional and responsible pest control.
