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.

Related forms and processes

Prerequisite

You have seen a rat.

Responsible department

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

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.

Appeal

none

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