When food waste is disposed of in the toilet, it ends up in the sewage system. This is why rats - more precisely, Norway rats - also live there.

It is estimated that there are around 2-3 rats for every inhabitant.

The city of Bonn has been keeping the rat population in check for a long time. A specialist company commissioned with rat control in Bonn applies rat bait to the city's sewers as required. Subsequent checks and reapplications are carried out following reports from the public.

The baits are eaten by the animals and cause the rats to bleed to death internally over the course of around 3-5 days. They are harmless to humans and pets in the dosage used.

The control measures can prevent the overall population of rats from increasing. A strong decimation or even disappearance of the rats can only be achieved if the rats lack the food supply in the sewer.

This means that leftover food does not belong in the sewer system!