It is a real scourge to Toulouse as in other metropolises of France: rats keep multiplying with the detrimental consequences that go with it.

In recent months, some residents have clearly complained.

Regularly, rat control operations are in sewers and public spaces. They are carried out through the use of rat poison and the extermination of the animal.

Traps are also offered.

Ferrets stalking rats

Wednesday September 28, 2021, the City of Toulouse tested a new method. This experiment took place on the banks of the Brienne canal.

“We have rat exterminated a well-defined plot where there are rat galleries, using four ferrets. Ferrets are known to scare rats. Their scent alone frightens rats. For this experiment, the dressed ferrets entered the galleries and, after a quarter of an hour, a dozen rats had already emerged and succeeded. It is a Toulouse company that uses this method which will allow us in the future to limit the use of rat poison on the banks of the canals and of the Garonne in Toulouse ”, explains Françoise Ampoulange, in charge of the animal delegation in city, at the Toulouse town hall.

A@Toulousego back to traditional methods to reduce rat poison #ecology. It was at the edge of the canal that this rat control experiment took place. A success !@ 30millionsdamis @FBB_Officiel pic.twitter.com/aK1eSWkAjI

– Françoise Ampoulange (@ampoulange) September 29, 2021

The rats then euthanized

The rats, after leaving the gallery, are generated in a net and then introduced into a box, in the dark. Carbon dioxide is then contained in the box which has the effect of lulling the rat and then euthanizing it.

A specific method particularly suitable for places that are difficult to access or are rich in biodiversity.

A city like La Rochelle already use this technique.

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