Pest Control

Bees are a vulnerable and protected species. For example, without bees we would not have vegetables, fruits or nuts. Man needs the bee, which is why the municipality does not control bees.

Bees are often confused with wasps. Nuisances often involve wasps. 

The municipality fights wasps only if a wasp nest can be designated in the public space and if it poses a danger to many people in the public space.

For example, a wasp nest is removed if it is near:

• schools
• stores
• crowded public buildings
• playgrounds
• bus and streetcar stops

A wasp nest in a park or forest will not be removed. Do you see a wasp nest in any of the places listed above? Then make a report.

The Asian hornet has been seen several times in Zoetermeer. This species of wasp does not belong in the Netherlands and is a threat to species that do originate here. Therefore, it is important to make a report if you see an Asian hornet.

Litters

In the period until the end of May, the young queens build their first nest in a place that is sheltered from rain and wind. Examples in a barn, near a porch, in a garden shed or wood shed, but also in an attic. The first nest can grow into a ball the size of a soccer. Around mid-July, the wasps build a larger nest, high in a treetop. These nests sometimes reach the size of a skippy ball.

What to do if you see an Asian hornet or nest?

If you think you see an Asian hornet or its nest, report it immediately through Observation.com. Attach a photo and include your phone number. Based on this report, you will be contacted to locate and control the nest.

For more information on the Asian horned beetle, visit the website of the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority.

The hairs of the oak processionary caterpillar can cause skin and eye irritation to humans and animals. Therefore, never touch these caterpillars and keep your pets away from nests.

Do you have oak processionary caterpillars on your own property? If so, you are responsible for them. Contact an expert company to control the caterpillars.

Do you see oak processionary caterpillars on a tree in the public area? Then file a report.

In spring, we see the spider moth on various plants and trees. These are caterpillars that make a large web in a plant or tree. Although this caterpillar is often confused with the oak processionary caterpillar, the caterpillar and its web are not dangerous to the environment. After several weeks, the caterpillars turn into moths and the web dissolves on its own. Therefore, the municipality does not remove the caterpillars or the web.

Because of danger to public health, rat control in public areas is always carried out on behalf of the municipality. We first ensure that the living space for the rat is made as unattractive as possible. If that has insufficient effect, the municipality has them caught. Poison is only used in special cases. Do you see rats in your living area? Then file a report.

What can you do to prevent rats?

• Adhere to the feeding ban in town. You may not feed animals outside your own property. The food scraps left behind attract rats. For further explanation see Join us | Feed Ban.
• Do not throw trash or food scraps on the street.
• Put your garbage bags in the container. Do not put bags or loose garbage next to it, because litter also attracts rats.
• Store your pet's food properly. Do not leave food lying around in and around your home/building.
• Store garbage in closed containers and lockable trash cans.
• Seal holes and cracks in and around the home. Make sure rats cannot hide under or in anything.
• Repair or replace broken sewer pipes, drainpipes, ventilation grilles and tiles.
• Are you a tenant? Your landlord is responsible for the proper maintenance of the property. Therefore, report rat nuisance to your landlord, in connection with repairs.
• For more information and tips, visit the Rats page or KAD | Rats and Mice.

Muskrat or beaver rat

For the safety of the water system and thus the safety of levees, muskrats and beaver rats are actively controlled. Have you seen a muskrat or beaver rat? Then you can report it via the website Muskrat Control in the Netherlands or call 030 - 634 5756 or send an e-mail to meldingen@muskusrattenbeheer.nl.

Other types of pests the municipality does not control. If you have a nuisance on your own property from the animals listed below, you can hire a company to control them yourself.

• moles
• caterpillars (except oak processionary caterpillar in public areas)
• lice
• birds
• mice
• cockroaches
• spiders and other arthropods