A comprehensive rat extermination campaign is underway in the Sídlisko KVP neighborhood of Košice through November 13, aimed at combating the growing rat population. Local authorities are urging residents to cooperate and follow safety guidelines, as the effectiveness of the campaign depends on coordinated efforts.
The campaign, which began on October 28, covers public spaces, and the work is being carried out by a professional company. At the same time, the district administration has asked all building owners and managers to carry out rodent control on their premises during this same period. This is necessary to prevent rodents from migrating to untreated areas and to ensure long-term results.
Why is this mandatory, and why now?
Rodent control in Slovakia is not merely a recommendation but a legal requirement. According to Law No. 355/2007 on public health protection, property owners and správcovia (managers) are required to regularly take measures to control pests. Typically, such comprehensive measures are carried out twice a year: in the spring and fall.
Fall is a critical period because, as the cold weather sets in, rats actively seek shelter and food in basements, utility tunnels, and residential buildings. Coordinated rodent control at this time can significantly reduce their population before winter and prevent it from rapidly rebounding in the spring.
What diseases do rats carry?
The main goal of rodent control is to protect human health. Rats are carriers of a number of dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans through contact with droppings, urine, contaminated water or food, as well as through bites.
Among the most common diseases are:
- Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease)—an acute infection that affects the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
- Hantavirus infections—can cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. The virus is transmitted by inhaling dust contaminated with rodent excrement.
- Salmonellosis—a bacterial infection that causes gastrointestinal disorders. Rats can contaminate food.
In addition, rodents can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites, as well as cause property damage by chewing through electrical wiring, pipes, and building structures.
Safety Guidelines: What Residents Should Do
To ensure that rodent control is effective and safe, residents of the KVP district should follow a few simple rules.
- Do not touch the bait stations. Special bait stations containing poison are placed in areas where rodents are active. They are dangerous to people and pets. Do not attempt to move or open them.
- Keep an eye on children and pets. When walking your dog, keep it on a leash and do not let it approach areas where bait stations are set up. Explain the dangers to children.
- Keep your surroundings clean. Do not leave food scraps near trash cans, and do not feed pigeons or other animals on the street, as this attracts rodents.
- Report any problems. If you notice increased rat activity in your building or the surrounding area, contact your property manager (správca). You can find out where to turn in emergencies on the page with important phone numbers.
According to Košice Online, the campaign’s success depends on the shared responsibility of local authorities, building managers, and the residents themselves.
