Brussels is contemplating an unorthodox weapon in its escalating war against rats: the ferret.
The Belgian capital, long beset by a swelling brown rat population, is exploring a city-wide rollout of trained ferrets to flush the animals from their hiding places and into traps. The plan, already tested in certain districts with surprising success, is being considered by a special rat task force created to tackle the worsening infestation.
“Since the rat is a natural prey for the ferret, the ferret is able to drive the rats out of their hiding places and bring them closer to traps,” said a spokesperson for Anas Ben Adelmoumen, the councillor responsible for public cleanliness. “This method has already shown results in certain parts of the city. The proposal is to extend it further.”
A decision on the measure is expected in the coming months, with the council weighing costs, feasibility and the practicalities of training and deploying the animals in urban environments.
From Trial Runs to City-Wide Strategy
The district of Etterbeek has been using ferrets in its pest-control strategy for some time. Officials there say the animals not only drive rats into traps but also leave behind a lingering deterrent: their scent. This alone, Etterbeek’s rat-catchers claim, is enough to discourage rodents from returning to the area for months.
“It’s not just about catching the rats you see,” said one pest control officer involved in the scheme. “It’s about making the place unappealing for the next wave.”
The approach has been praised for its targeted nature, particularly in hard-to-reach areas such as the basements of old houses, narrow service tunnels and underneath restaurant terraces, where conventional traps are awkward to set and check.
Why Brussels’ Rats Are Winning
Brussels’ brown rat population has almost doubled over the last decade, according to figures cited by The Brussels Times. Experts blame a combination of factors: milder winters, which allow for year-round breeding; a growing trend for composting in residential areas, which offers a free buffet for opportunistic rodents; and ageing urban infrastructure, full of gaps, cracks and sewer access points.
The city’s rat task force, created earlier this year, has already carried out more than 600 interventions in homes since January. These range from advising residents on securing food waste to setting traps in cellars and gardens.
“Prevention is as important as elimination,” the task force said in a statement. “We urge residents to contact the council as soon as they see signs of infestation. Acting early is the key.”
Budget Boost and Smarter Traps
City hall has increased the rat-control budget by 20 per cent to €65,000 (£56,000), allowing for the purchase of “smart traps” capable of sending alerts when triggered. Officials say these devices reduce the time rats have to escape or be scavenged by other animals, making the overall process more efficient.
Still, the scale of the problem is daunting. Many of Brussels’ most densely populated districts have deep-rooted infestations in underground networks that stretch for kilometres. Dislodging these colonies often requires more than poison or mechanical traps—hence the interest in adding ferrets to the arsenal.
A Tradition with Modern Purpose
The use of ferrets for hunting rats is far from new. Historically, they were employed on farms, in mills and in seaports to control rodent numbers. What is novel is the idea of deploying them in the heart of a modern European capital, amid apartment blocks, public parks and café-lined streets.
Some animal-welfare groups have expressed cautious support, provided the ferrets are handled properly and not put at undue risk. Advocates argue that, compared with blanket poisoning campaigns, ferret-assisted trapping can be more humane and environmentally friendly, avoiding harm to non-target species.
Others, however, remain sceptical. Critics point out that ferrets may struggle in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or where access is limited. They also warn that the approach is labour-intensive, requiring handlers to work closely with each animal in often cramped, unsanitary conditions.
Public Reaction: Amusement and Approval
Among residents, the idea has sparked a mix of amusement and approval. “If it works in Etterbeek, why not try it everywhere?” said one shopkeeper in the Marolles district, where rats are a common sight after dark. “We’ve tried traps and poison, but they always come back.”
Social media users have been quick to share photographs of ferrets in action from past trials, some dubbing them “Brussels’ secret agents.” Others note that the initiative might prove a public-relations win, portraying the council as creative and proactive in tackling an age-old nuisance.
A Decision on the Horizon
City officials stress that ferrets would not replace other measures but complement them. “There is no silver bullet for the rat problem,” said Ben Adelmoumen’s spokesperson. “We need a combination of traditional and innovative methods.”
If approved, the expansion of ferret deployment could begin in targeted districts before the end of the year, with an evaluation phase to determine cost-effectiveness and impact on rat numbers.
In the meantime, the rat task force continues to respond to calls, urging residents to secure food waste, seal entry points to homes, and avoid feeding pigeons—whose leftovers are a favourite snack for opportunistic rodents.
As Brussels considers sending its mustelid allies into the fray, one thing is clear: the city’s battle with rats is not just about eradicating an inconvenience, but about reclaiming public spaces from an adversary that has adapted, thrived and, in recent years, multiplied.
Whether ferrets can tip the balance in this long-running urban conflict remains to be seen. But for a city running out of options—and patience—the prospect of a trained, furry task force is proving an unexpectedly popular talking point.
