Introduction
Hidden away in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, this restaurant occupies a cozy corner amid narrow, cobblestone streets and centuries-old canals. The area is known for its historical charm, vibrant arts scene, and a labyrinth of alleys that give way to unexpected courtyards, each with its own character and history. With traditional facades and the unmistakable sound of lively chatter drifting from corner cafés, this district is the kind of place where you’d expect quiet romance over candle-lit dinners. But even in a place this picturesque, city life brings its own set of challenges—such as the occasional unwelcome guest.
Nestled between waterways and surrounded by historic homes, this neighborhood has a long history of balancing charm with the realities of urban life, and that includes managing local wildlife. This particular restaurant, a favorite among locals and visitors alike, became the stage for my latest mission: a late-night hunt for an uninvited guest who had made itself all too comfortable amidst the allure of city lights and the warmth of its new home.
A Bit of History: Keeping the Rats Out
The restaurant, has become a repeat client as this picturesque part of town is no stranger to rat issues. Our initial visit here earlier this year had successfully eliminated a persistent rat population. However, a new, unusually bold intruder had recently slipped back inside, causing enough mayhem to alarm the staff.
Previously, the restaurant owner had taken extensive preventative measures, sealing every visible crack and crevice in the cellar. Prevention, after all, is far better than the cure. This ensured no more rats could enter. However, the rats that had already snuck in were now trapped and had to be carefully removed. This visit was our second round, focused on finding and eliminating a particularly troublesome and aggressive rat that managed to stay hidden during business hours but appeared to have an uncanny ability to sense when the last patron had left.
The Chase Begins
This rat was anything but shy. It had a knack for moving around the entire building, from the cozy courtyards to the upper floors, even using the overhead piping to evade capture. Hospitality and rats are an unfortunate combination, given the concerns of hygiene, droppings, viruses, aggressive behavior, and the damage they can cause. There was also the risk of reputational damage and, worse, forced closure if the problem persisted.
In this location, I faced some unique challenges. Any clear shot required a minimum distance of five meters, but given the complex layout, we needed to maneuver the rat into an ideal location. Unfortunately, with only one intruder, there was no guarantee it would show up on cue.
The Moment of Truth
I arrived just after nightfall and set up, observing quietly. I could tell this particular rat was bolder than most and seemed willing to deviate from its regular route. I positioned myself about nine meters from a small ledge in the hallway and noticed the faintest hint of movement—a flicker in my thermal scope. The bait I’d placed appeared irresistible, giving me the opportunity to take aim with my air rifle, carefully adjusted for this shorter distance.
When the moment finally arrived, the shot was clean. In less than an hour, the job was done, and the staff could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Closing Thoughts
With the mission complete, I packed up and left, noting the stark contrast between the bustling nightlife outside and the quiet satisfaction of a job well done. This neighborhood, with all its unique challenges, remains one of my favorite places to work. And after tonight, I know this restaurant, its charming atmosphere preserved, is once again a safe haven for diners.
Until next time,
Eric
Region of Operation: We provide rat control services across the region, including but not limited to: Soest, Soesterberg, Amersfoort, Hilversum, Apeldoorn, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Bunnik, Lage Vuursche, and Zeist. We are a member of the trade associaton for ecological rat control (ERaNed) and the professional collective Rattenschutters in the Netherlands.
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