Reporting pests and vermin
If you have problems with pests like rats, mice, bees or wasps in your home, garden or neighbourhood, please report it to the municipality. The municipality can give you advice on how to deal with and get rid of these pests.
What happens after you report?
Pest problems in your home or garden
In your own home and garden, you're responsible for dealing with pests such as rats, mice, wasps or other vermin. After you report the problem, the municipality can help you address the issue and suggest methods for pest control. You might also consider hiring a professional pest control service.
Pest problems in public areas
If you're experiencing pest problems in public spaces outside your home or garden, the municipality will assess the situation on-site to determine if and how the pest issue should be addressed.
Pest or protected species?
Our city is home to various animals, and while some may cause inconvenience, the municipality cannot always intervene. Protected species, such as stone martens, foxes and bats, are protected by law, and neither the municipality nor residents are allowed to harm or disturb them.
More information and tips to prevent nuisance
For more details on different pests and the council's role in managing them, please visit our Dieren en natuur page (in Dutch only). Here you'll also find tips on how to prevent or reduce nuisance yourself.
Rats
If you have a problem with rats in or around your home, please report it to the municipality. The municipality will contact you and, if needed, send a pest controller to check the situation. This service is free. The pest controller will give you advice and help you get rid of the rats.
If you see rats in public areas, please report this as well. When multiple reports are received, the municipality will investigate the cause and decide on the best way to solve the problem.
Other pests
The municipality of Maastricht only controls rats; controlling other pests in or around the home is the responsibility of the home owner. We would be happy to provide advice, so please feel free to contact us. More information about pests and vermin can be found on the website of the Dutch Pest & Wildlife Expertise Centre (KAD):
Unknown animals
If you are not sure what type of infestation you have, please let us know when you submit your report. The municipal pest controller will contact you and help you determine which animal is causing the problem. They will then advise you on ways to prevent or get rid of the infestation.
Frequently asked questions about rats
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In Maastricht, the most common rat is the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). Despite its name, its fur can range from light brown to dark grey.
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Rats usually avoid people and prefer to run away rather than attack us. However, if they feel threatened, they might act aggressively, so it's best to keep your distance. Rats can carry diseases harmful to humans, such as Weil's disease (Leptospirosis). This disease can spread through water contaminated with rat urine, especially if it contacts open cuts or wounds. The chance of getting infected is low, but it's good to be cautious. For more information, visit website of the Netherlands' National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM).
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Rats often live in sewers because they find shelter, food, and water there. They might come above ground if sewer pipes are damaged or if there's construction or demolition nearby. If they find food outside the sewer, they may build nests close to that food source, which can lead to more rats in the area.
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- Check for sewer smells: If you notice a sewer-like smell in your home, it might mean there's a broken sewer pipe. It's important to have this checked by your housing association or landlord, as property owners are responsible for repairs within their property boundaries.
- Inspect drainpipes: Look at your drainpipes for any damage. If they're broken, arrange for repairs through your housing association or landlord.
- If you see a rat, please report it using the button on this page.
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Use the button at the top of this page to report a rat problem, either with or without the MijnGemeente app, or call 14 043.
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Using poison to control rats is strictly regulated because it can also harm other animals like foxes, beech martens and birds of prey. Rat traps are considered a more humane alternative to poison.
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- Avoid leaving residual waste bags, pmd bags or other waste outside.
- Put food scraps in the green bin, rather than in the residual waste bag.
- Don’t leave any leftovers in or around waste containers at the milieuperrons (sorting stations).
- Store animal feed in tightly sealed containers—never outdoors.
- Don't overfeed chickens, rabbits or other animals kept outside. Make sure they can eat the food in one go without leftovers. The same goes for feeding birds.
- Clear away anything that might provide shelter for rats.
- If you have a dog, please clean up after it. Dog mess can also be a food source for rats.