Report rat
If you see a rat, report it to the relevant authority. Rats are increasingly found in places where waste is stored. These include open rubbish and organic waste bins as well as compost heaps.
Rats transmit dangerous diseases. Their faeces and urine smell unpleasant and endanger your health.
Responsible authority
- In the case of public areas: the municipal or city administration of the place of discovery or sighting
- For private property: the owner of the property
Details
Prerequisite
You have seen a rat.
Procedure
For private properties
Inform the owner of the property or your landlord. Let them know that you have seen or found rats on the property.
Note: If you do not know the owner of the property, contact your local authority or city council.
If your own property is affected, you should remove any dead rats found immediately. Seal rat holes and entry points with suitable means.
It is best to commission a professional pest controller to control and remove the rats.
For public areas
Report to the responsible authority where you have seen or found rats. The responsible authority will then arrange for further measures to be taken.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
none
Costs
Costs for the removal of rats on private property are borne by the owner.
Miscellaneous
The health of humans and protected animals must not be jeopardised in the course of pest control.
Legal basis
Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG):
- § 16 Allgemeine Maßnahmen der zuständigen Behörde
- § 17 Besondere Maßnahmen der zuständigen Behörde, Rechtsverordnungen durch die Länder
- die Polizeiverordnung Ihrer Gemeinde
Release note
machine generated, based on the German release by: in Zusammenarbeit mit den fachlich zuständigen Stellen Baden-Württemberg, 21.01.2025