Rats and rat sightings

Rats often go where food is available, and the best way to prevent their spread is to take preventive measures, like keeping waste bin shelters and yards clean and protecting the compost bin.

It may be a good idea to contact a pest controller if, in spite of preventive measures:

• several rats have been seen at the same time or
• there have been several sightings of individual rats within a short period of time.

The owner or holder of the property is responsible for getting rid of rats and other pests. If you see rats, you should primarily inform the property owner or manager. It is advisable to carry out rat control measures in a wide area at once. As a rule, the City of Espoo does not carry out rat control in public areas. The city does carry out rat control measures in city-owned properties if necessary.

You can find information on how to start pest control on the websites of pest control companies.

Protect household waste from rats. Make sure that your waste bins are closed and undamaged. If there are many rats in the area, waste bins may require extra protection, as rats can chew their way through a thick plastic container.

If the rat problem related to waste management persists despite informing the property owner or manager, you can contact the City of Espoo’s Environmental Protection Unit. You can contact us through the city feedback service(external link, opens in a new window) or by email at ymparisto@espoo.fi.

If there are rats in a residential building or its structures and the property owner or manager refuses to take action after being informed of the situation, you can contact Espoo Region Environmental Health Services by email at terveydensuojelu@espoo.fi.