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Environmental health specialists are warning that rats are becoming more visible in towns and cities across Spain, and they say the problem will only get worse without a long-term, coordinated plan.

 

The National Association of Environmental Health Companies, known as ANECPLA, has raised concerns after a growing number of reports of rodents appearing in homes, streets, squares and busy central areas. The organisation says this is not an isolated issue, pointing to recent incidents in places including Alicante, Málaga and Mazarrón.

 

Recent complaints from residents in Mazarrón about rats appearing in residential areas have highlighted growing concern at local level. In Alicante, last year the issue had also drawn attention after reports of large numbers of dead rats appearing along parts of the coastline, raising public health worries. Málaga has also faced similar alarm, with residents reporting an increase in rat sightings in streets and built-up areas, keeping the issue firmly in the public eye.

 

Manuel García Howlett, director general of ANECPLA, says the situation needs to be taken seriously before it becomes entrenched. “If preventive and continuous action is not taken, the problem tends to become chronic and much more difficult to control,” he warned.

 

According to the association, rats are now being detected not just on the outskirts of towns but in central neighbourhoods, streets and even private homes. Without proper planning, experts fear the sightings will become more frequent and harder to manage.

 

ANECPLA highlights two major challenges facing rat control. The first is that some rodent populations have developed resistance to traditional anticoagulant rodenticides that have been widely used in the past. The second is the tightening European regulatory framework, which has placed increasing restrictions on how and where these products can be used.

 

Because of this, García Howlett says quick fixes or one-off measures simply do not work. “A comprehensive and long-term strategy is essential, combining surveillance, infrastructure maintenance, civic education and the intervention of qualified professionals,” he said.

 

The association is calling for an integrated approach to pest control. This includes prevention, improved urban cleaning and hygiene, professional technical intervention and coordination between Ayuntamientos, specialised companies and residents themselves.

 

ANECPLA also stresses that pest control work should only be carried out by companies registered with the Official Register of Biocidal Establishments and Services, known as ROESB, to ensure safety and effectiveness while respecting environmental standards.

 

Public procurement is another key issue, according to the organisation. García Howlett says choosing contractors purely on price can undermine results. “Public health cannot depend solely on cost, but on the quality and professionalism of the service,” he said.

 

With rat sightings making headlines in several regions, experts are urging authorities to act early and decisively before a growing nuisance turns into a persistent public health concern.