Optimizing urban rodent control strategies: predictive approach and risk assessment – the contribution of SECU-RAT

Rodents pose a significant problem to society (e.g.zoonoses, severe property damage, food loss).Urban environment favours high population densities, especially of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus).Increasingly high infestation levels are observed, in particular where there is a high human presence (e.g.urban parks, along riverbanks, where birds are fed, on picnic spots).Rodent population control is mainly based on the use of rodenticides in bait boxes and trapping.However, due to high food availability and the presence of attractive habitats in these areas, rat population control is particularly difficult and often ineffective.After decades of rodent control, they continue to persist in cities around the globe and a new approach is needed.Placing traps or rodenticides close to rat burrows, habitats, or food sources is essential, but the discretion requirement, bait box degradation risk, and children and non-target species safety are major issues linked to these practices.Public bins are of major concern because they offer food to rats, but also because they fit into the urban outdoor environment and are often placed near rat habitats such as flowerbeds, bushes, etc.