French town battles rat problem with the help of ferrets
Neuilly-sur-Marne will be calling on the small weasels and dogs as an environmentally friendly method to avoid using chemical products
Ferrets, which belong to the weasel family, are a known method for getting rid of rats
IMRAN siddiqi / Shutterstock
The town of Neuilly-sur-Marne near Paris is enlisting the help of ferrets and dogs to solve their rat problem.
The method consists of introducing the ferrets in the underground of buildings and tunnels. They then track down the rats and chase them to the surface, where dogs will be waiting for them.
The technique has already been successful in other towns such as Marseille and Toulouse and in other areas of Paris such as Clichy. The tests in Neuilly-sur-Marne (Seine-Saint-Denis) will begin on December 9.
Rats have become more and more of a problem in the French capital and its surroundings, with local residents saying that the rodents are not even scared of humans anymore and are often seen even in daylight.
More environmentally friendly
The mairie stated that this method is more environmentally friendly due to the non-usage of chemical products: “More respectful of the environment and pets, this method is part of a sustainable, responsible approach.”
Read more: New French-Swiss app launches as one-stop shop for dog owners
Another reason for the approach is that rats are becoming more resistant to these products, such as anticoagulants, so it should also be more efficient.
Coordination required
The mairie of Neuilly-sur-Marne announced that it will be targeting mostly municipal buildings, sewage networks, social housing and buildings with tenants that are the worst affected by rats, and are acting in conjunction with local actors.
They underlined the importance of coordinated efforts from the residents, namely in not feeding the animals and disposing of their rubbish correctly.
If you live in Neuilly-sur-Marne and see a rat, it is important to signal the sighting to the relevant authority.
If you see them in a municipal building, contact the mairie at 01 43 08 96 96. If you see them in public, contact l’Établissement Public Territorial Grand Paris Grand Est at 0800 50 49 36. Finally, if you see them in your building, contact your landlord.
