Introduction
This blog began with a Monday afternoon call from the owner of an elegant restaurant, nestled in the heart of a historic canal district. The area, known for its narrow streets, charming bridges, and beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings, exudes a timeless atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals alike. Unfortunately, recent heavy rains had caused the water levels in nearby canals to rise, forcing local wildlife, including rats, to seek refuge at higher ground. One such visitor—a lone, highly elusive rat—had made its way into the restaurant. And as any pest expert knows, even a single rat can spell big trouble if not swiftly dealt with.
A True Challenge for a Pest Specialist
Despite being located in such a bustling historic district, this particular restaurant had managed to keep its premises entirely rat-free through diligent practices. The management had invested heavily in maintaining impeccable hygiene. The storage areas were pristine, with food meticulously packed and elevated on sturdy shelves. There were no obvious entry points—no cracks, gaps, or holes in the walls. The kitchen itself was a model of order, with food scraps quickly disposed of and surfaces constantly cleaned. All signs pointed to this being a rare case: a lone rat that had somehow found its way inside and stubbornly refused to leave.
Previous attempts by a local pest control service had failed. Poison was out of the question due to strict health regulations, and traditional traps had been expertly avoided by the intruder. That’s when the restaurant reached out for a more specialized approach: precision, no poisons, and humane elimination using advanced air rifles.
Understanding the Problem
Upon arriving, I took stock of the restaurant’s layout and operations. High windows, polished wooden floors, and warm lighting gave the space an inviting ambiance. Even the storage area was a testament to their commitment to cleanliness—supplies neatly arranged and properly sealed. There was no evidence of structural weaknesses that might have offered an easy entry. This single rat’s persistence suggested it had found a unique food source. The looming threat of a hygiene inspection only added to the pressure to resolve the situation quickly.
A Tactical Approach
After discussing the plan with the restaurant manager, it was clear that maintaining a normal atmosphere was critical. Rats are notoriously sensitive to changes in their environment, and sudden noise reduction or moving objects would alert even the most isolated intruder. Therefore, everything continued as usual, including the sounds of dishwashing in the kitchen. Only the lights in the main dining area were dimmed slightly to make it a more attractive spot for the rat.
Using my thermal imaging scope, I scanned the premises. This particular rat, whom I dubbed ‘Speedy Gonzales,’ was exceptionally quick and cautious. Realizing that ordinary bait wouldn’t suffice, I crumbled their signature coffee biscuits to keep the rat stationary while feeding. I set up my position along a long, obstacle-free line of sight—from the bar to a decorative fireplace—ensuring no equipment was at risk.
The Moment of Truth
Speedy wasted no time and approached the bait. I activated my night vision scope, infrared lamp, and ballistic calculator, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. With a single, well-placed shot, the lone rat was humanely dispatched. No stress, no prolonged suffering—just a swift, clean resolution to what could have been a larger problem had it not been addressed.
Closing Thoughts
The relief from the staff was immediate. The manager, who had been observing intently from a distance, offered an enthusiastic high five. This success marked the end of their rodent troubles. Since that night, I have not been called back—a clear sign that this single intruder was indeed the only one.
Beste Regards, Eric
Operating Regions: Central Netherlands, including canal districts and surrounding historic areas
Associations: EraNed — Ecological Rat Hunters
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