Brussels increases rat control efforts in city centre
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The City of Brussels established a pest control task force and increased its rat control budget after videos revealed a rat infestation in the pedestrian zone.
Mayor Philippe Close announced the city tripled funding for rat control from 35,000 to 100,000 euros. City workers caught 1,073 rats during 137 operations between February and the present. Close stated the city increased efforts during the summer months and offered free pest control services to shopkeepers and restaurants.
Despite the increased efforts, some city councillors voiced criticism. Flemish ecologist councillor Stoops reported shopkeepers in the pedestrian zone do not believe the current pest control is effective and called for faster action to improve the area. Stoops also suggested the city should have considered biodiversity solutions earlier to deter rats.
