The combination of a dense population, historic infrastructure, and a bustling metro system creates an environment in which rats can thrive. While rats can be found in all 20 arrondissements of Paris, some districts are more notorious than others:
- The 1st Arrondissement: Home to the Louvre and the Palais Royal, it’s one of the most touristic parts of Paris. The food waste generated here is a major attraction for rats.
- The 4th Arrondissement: The Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis are located here. The close proximity to the Seine River and the numerous historic buildings create ample hiding spots for these rodents.
- The 5th and 6th Arrondissements: The Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés have an abundance of restaurants and cafés, which can result in food waste – a significant draw for rats.
- The 12th Arrondissement: The Bois de Vincennes, one of Paris’s two major parks, is located in this district. Parks and green spaces can be prime locations for rat populations due to the availability of food and shelter.
- The 16th Arrondissement: The Bois de Boulogne, the other major park in Paris, is part of this district. Like the Bois de Vincennes, it provides an ideal environment for rats.
The City of Paris has undertaken multiple measures to combat rat populations, such as intensive pest control campaigns and public awareness efforts about proper waste disposal. Still, given the city’s age and design, completely eradicating the problem is a challenging task.
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