Article categories: News
Rat control in Vaasa will begin in late summer
Published: 9.6.2026
Over the past year, Vaasa residents have actively reported rat sightings. In response to feedback from residents, Vaasa’s City Board has decided to launch rat control measures in the sewer system.
– Rat sightings reported to the city appear to be gradually increasing, but the situation remains calm. There is no cause for concern or fear, says Esa Hirvijärvi, Director of Environmental Services.
The control measures will be carried out using traps installed in the sewer network. The service will be procured from an external pest control company.
The control programme will start in late summer and continue at least until the end of 2027. Any next steps will be decided later, based on the results of the control programme and the number of rats still present.
Traps are placed based on sightings
The control measures will be targeted where they are most needed. Reports submitted to the city’s rat sighting portal, together with the pest control company’s expertise, will guide the placement of the traps. The traps can be moved during the control programme to where they are most effective.
As the traps are installed in the sewers, they will not be visible on the streets or affect residents’ daily lives.
Owners are responsible for their properties
The city’s control programme does not change property owners’ responsibility for rat control on their own properties.
If an unusually large number of rats are detected on a property, the owner or holder must take the necessary control measures.
Prevention is a joint effort
In addition to control measures, it is important to prevent the rat population from growing. Rats multiply the most when they have food available.
Therefore, residents and housing companies must make sure that rats have no access to food.
- Waste bins must be intact, and their lids must always be kept fully closed.
- Rubbish must not be left outside waste bins.
- Food waste should be put in the bin or the compost, not flushed down the toilet.
- Food waste may only be composted in a closed, insulated compost bin. Only garden waste may be placed in an open compost bin.
- Birds should not be fed during the snow-free months. When the ground is frozen, birds should only be fed using bird feeders – food should not be scattered directly on the ground. The feeding area should be kept clean and tidy.
Report rat sightings to the city using the online form (in Finnish and Swedish).