Rats drawn to apple abundance in Kotka as harvest attracts unwelcome visitors

This autumn has seen an unusually abundant apple harvest, which is attracting unwelcome visitors to gardens—not apple thieves, but rats. These rodents find fallen apples to be a suitable food source, and easy access to food could lead to an increase in rat populations in the area.

Emma Muurinen, a health inspector from Kotka, warns that the risks include rats searching for nesting sites in the same vicinity, leading to a rise in their numbers. To curb this issue, controlling their food sources is essential. Ideally, fallen apples should be utilized by people, although it can be challenging to consume the large quantities available.

Ari Lahtinen, a resident of Kouvola, reported an overwhelming apple yield this year from his three old apple trees, which have been in his family for generations. He has shared apples with family and friends and offered them in a local Facebook group, joking that he might need to set up a sign to deter potential apple thieves. Unusable apples are taken to the waste station since he does not want rats or other pests in his yard. Lahtinen has considered removing the trees but finds joy in their presence.

Viini Verla, a local winery in Jala, has purchased surplus apples, as they have received 250-300 kilograms from customers this autumn, significantly higher than the usual amount. However, not all apples are used productively; some are spoiled. Muurinen strongly recommends promptly collecting and properly disposing of fallen apples, directing that they should not be dumped in public areas, as this could invite pests. Instead, they should be taken to waste stations for a modest fee. In Kotka, preventive pest control measures are in place to manage any existing rat populations.