A rattling stat? Prague has five rats for every resident

Prague is facing a severe rat infestation, with recent estimates suggesting there are over 5 million in the city—around five times the human population. Experts warn that mild winters in recent years have contributed to the problem, allowing rats to reproduce rapidly. To address the situation, Prague authorities have launched extensive pest control efforts across the city.

Earlier this week, city officials set traps in thousands of sewer entrances as part of a citywide operation. "Colleagues will put traps in 13,000 to 14,000 sewer entrances during the season," said Tomáš Mrázek, spokesperson for Prague Waterworks and Sewerage, told Czech Television.

In particular, residents of the Černý Most housing estate report frequent sightings of rats, even during daylight hours, an indicator of overpopulation. "They are animals that are afraid of light. When they come out during the day, it is overpopulated," explained Terezia Arnoldová, deputy head of the National Reference Laboratory for Disinfection and Pest Control.

Rats pose serious health risks, carrying bacteria and viruses that can spread deadly diseases such as leptospirosis, tularemia, and rat bite fever, experts say. Pavel Stopka, a zoologist from Charles University, tells Czech media that rat bites are not uncommon, especially when a rat is familiar with its surroundings and comfortable enough to climb onto a human.

In addition to rats, households are seeing increased infestations of other pests, including cockroaches and bedbugs, many of which are growing resistant to chemical treatments. Experts urge residents to contact professional pest control services rather than attempting to handle infestations themselves, as amateur efforts may worsen the problem.

Czech experts advise that, to eliminate rats effectively, homeowners should first remove food sources and keep areas clean. Food should be stored in sealed containers, and trash cans should be secured. People should also block entry points by sealing holes, cracks, and gaps around doors, windows, and pipes. Set snap traps or bait stations in high-activity areas, such as along walls.