Warm weather lures rats from hiding: 'They seek coolness, just like people'

Rats are emerging from their usual hiding spots in search of relief from the heat, much like humans seeking cooler locations or water sources. This phenomenon has led to a noticeable increase in rat sightings in streets and gardens, with the municipality of Zandhoven in Belgium reporting a significant rise in resident complaints. Rat researcher Tosca Vanroy from the Institute for Nature and Forest Research explained that the warm weather compels these rodents to venture out more frequently.

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With this warm weather, rats actually do the same as us. We go to the coast, they look for cooler places or places where water can be found.

In response to the growing concern, Zandhoven has launched a public appeal for residents to assist in managing rat populations. While the municipality tackles rats in public areas, they emphasize that this alone is insufficient. Rats are not deterred by property lines and can easily move between gardens, homes, stables, and public spaces. Vanroy highlighted that the presence of food or shelter in one area can rapidly facilitate their multiplication and spread to neighboring locations.

To combat the issue, Zandhoven advises residents to keep their gardens clean, promptly remove waste and fallen fruit, and store garbage in securely sealed containers. Pet food should be stored properly, and not left outside overnight. Additionally, sealing gaps and openings in buildings can prevent rats from entering, and homeowners are encouraged to check for potential nesting sites under structures like garden sheds or chicken coops. Composting practices should also be mindful, using closed bins and avoiding the disposal of meat or cooked food scraps.

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If there is food or shelter in one place, they can multiply and spread to the neighborhood quickly.

Vanroy noted that while the number of reports has increased, it does not automatically signify a population boom. Accurate population figures for rats are scarce, and they are notoriously difficult to count. Their intelligence plays a significant role in their elusiveness; they learn from their own experiences and observe others, quickly avoiding areas where problems arise. This has led to the use of slow-acting rat poison, as fast-acting variants would alert other rats to the danger, causing them to steer clear.

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Their living area is disturbed, forcing them to move to other locations. Then you suddenly see them on the street or in neighborhoods where you wouldn't normally encounter them.

Beyond nuisance, Vanroy also reminded the public that rats can transmit diseases to humans, citing leptospirosis as an example of a bacterial infection that can cause respiratory issues. However, she also pointed out a less-known aspect of rat behavior: their intelligence is being harnessed for positive purposes. Larger African rat species, distinct from the common brown rat, are being trained to detect explosives. Their light weight allows them to traverse minefields without detonation, and they signal the presence of explosives to their handlers, similar to how police use sniffer dogs.

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They are very smart animals. They learn from their own experiences, but also from other animals in their population. If something happens, they know it quickly and avoid that place.