Chemicals against rats and mice banned
If you have brown rats or house mice in your home, you'll want to get rid of them as quickly as possible. Since the beginning of 2023, chemical pesticides are prohibited due to the dangers to humans and the environment. What can you do?
Major impact on people and the environment
Rodent control regulations have been significantly tightened because the improper use of poison has a major impact on nature. It is extremely toxic to birds, predators, and pets, and can remain in the environment for a long time. Frequent (or improper) use also increases the risk of resistance. Therefore, the focus is now solely on prevention and, if necessary, the setting of traps.
Make your home unattractive
The best way to prevent an infestation is to make your home unattractive to rats and mice . This means sealing seams, cracks and holes, storing food and ensuring a properly closed garbage can.
Sealing seams and cracks
A mouse only needs half a centimeter to get inside. Therefore, seal cracks and crevices everywhere in your home. Don't forget the crawl space and openings near the water connection, for example.
Check ventilation holes
Ventilation holes are important for healthy indoor climates, but also provide easy access for mice. Therefore, check the grilles and holes carefully. Replace any broken vents and install mesh over the ventilation holes, if this hasn't already been done.
Storing food
Mice and rats are attracted to food. Therefore, store food in sealable containers and jars. Clean up leftovers immediately after a meal and dispose of them in a tightly sealed trash can. Regular vacuuming is also important to prevent rats and mice from finding crumbs.
Check rainwater drainage
Check if the rainwater drain is still connected to the sewer. If not, rats can escape from the sewer through the resulting opening.
Often effective traps
If you've taken preventative measures and still have a rat or mouse in your home, a trap is often the best solution. Only place the trap inside your house or shed to prevent other animals from accidentally getting into it. For example, place peanut butter or chocolate spread as bait in the trap, or another sticky edible. If you get a bite, remove the dead mouse or rat immediately. Wear gloves to prevent virus contamination and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. It's best to take the mouse or rat to the recycling center.
Releasing mice and rats is prohibited
Besides traps, we also sell cage traps. These traps capture the mouse or rat, but unlike a trap, they remain alive. This seems like the ideal solution, but releasing live rats or mice is prohibited by the Nature Conservation Act (Article 3.34, paragraph 1). You may only release them within the same environment where they were caught. Otherwise, there's a good chance you'll be bothered by them again in no time.
Control by a professional
Have you tried everything and are you still having problems with mice or rats? Then call a pest control specialist from the Animal Pest Control Department.
The pest control specialist will work with you to explore preventative measures and try to get rid of the pests without using poison. The Pest Control Department specializes in deterring and keeping mice and rats out without using poison. Poison is always a temporary solution, as a new population will sooner or later move into your home. If you're effective at keeping them out, they simply can't get back in, and as long as the deterrent is intact, it's permanent (check or have this checked regularly).
If you still want to use pesticides
Although the ban on chemical pesticides took effect on January 1, 2023, retailers (including us) who still have the pesticides in stock are permitted to sell them until June 29, 2023. Consumers may use the products until December 26, 2023. After that date, only pesticides containing the substance alphachloralose will be permitted for personal indoor use. However, this substance can also be harmful to pets, for example.