Tallinn districts map rising rat problem before autumn control

Rats are appearing increasingly often on Tallinn streets, prompting several city districts to collect reports on their locations before beginning pest control in the autumn, ERR reported.

Two young people recently encountered several rats outside a popular restaurant in central Tallinn. Maia-Liis Ossip said the animals were unusually bold, making her question whether the table where she had eaten was completely clean. Mihkel Kööbi said he believed the rats had not reached the kitchen, but wondered whether they might have been active on the same table during the night.

District administrations are receiving frequent reports from residents about rats. Larger districts, including Lasnamäe, Mustamäe, Haabersti and North Tallinn, are mapping the locations where rodents are being seen most often.

“They are still found where there are residential buildings and rubbish bins,” North Tallinn District Governor Manuela Pihlap said. She urged residents to keep the areas around bins clean and close building entrances, adding that making conditions as difficult as possible for rats would reduce their numbers.

North Tallinn is accepting reports of rodents until Sunday, August 16. Pest control could cost up to 7,000 euros and is planned for the autumn months.

Pest control specialist Meelis Lepp said the work should not be delayed. He warned that by November or February, rats could already have entered homes, damaged electrical wires or eaten stored vegetables.

Residents of apartment buildings can help by placing poison boxes near their buildings. Central Tallinn resident Indrek Hirs said neighbouring buildings should begin pest control at the same time, because rats could move to another building or woodshed if they associate one location with danger.

Rats reproduce quickly. Pregnancy lasts only about a month, after which they can become pregnant again.