Red alert: Rat plague in Paunsdorf is spreading!

Red alert: Rat plague in Paunsdorf is spreading!

In Paunsdorf, a district in Saxony, a rat infestation has been making headlines for 15 years now and is causing increasing concern among residents. Loud MDR Martin Haug reports that the situation has worsened over the years. The uninvited guests particularly often find themselves in car engines, which has given one resident four rats under the hood. This means that many residents have to regularly check their vehicles for rat infestation.

The Southeast City District Advisory Board is sounding the alarm and reported on the numerous citizen complaints at a city council meeting. Since January 2024, at least ten reports have been made to city offices, but many citizens are disappointed because they are often sent from office to office without much action. “My walk home in the evening is very scary,” says one resident, describing her experiences. A look at Goldsternstrasse shows overflowing bins and garbage bags that have not been disposed of, while deep holes in the green area indicate rat activity.

The rat plague as an urban problem

With the increase in rat populations in cities worldwide, exposure to many similar problems is on the agenda. According to a report by ZDF The increase can be observed particularly in large cities such as New York or Amsterdam. Here, high population densities and associated food waste are the main reason for the growth of rat populations. An urban heat island effect also keeps animals active longer, further exacerbating the problem.

In New York, for example, more rats were spotted more often in the cold months than in previous years. The causes are varied: Rats not only cause damage to urban infrastructure, they can also contaminate food and transmit diseases such as leptospirosis. To address these challenges, researchers recommend integrated pest management strategies that aim for a more sustainable approach.

Joint efforts for a solution

The city cleaning staff in Paunsdorf are aware that rat control is difficult because other animals could often be endangered by rat traps. City councilor Beate Ehms (Left) emphasized that improper waste disposal by citizens further exacerbates the problem. Mayor Heiko Rosenthal (Left) has now announced that he will take action after the city council unanimously decided to look for solutions to combat rats.

According to that Federal Environment Agency Global warming, urbanization and an increasing urban population are behind the rat problem. In many other cities, the rat population remains stable or is increasing, requiring new approaches to combating the pests. Successful combating requires a coordinated approach between the city administration and the population. This includes disposing of leftover food in rat-proof trash cans and avoiding littering.

Smart and sustainable waste disposal could be the key to curbing the rat infestation. “No food, no rats” – this realization could be a decisive step in the right direction not only for Paunsdorf, but for many cities.