Rats frequently seen in Taipei, Shen Po-yang offers suggestions; EPA: continuous prevention
Rats have been frequently sighted in Taipei recently, prompting legislator Shen Po-yang to suggest prevention measures. The Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau announced a significant increase in reported rat deaths since February and a decreasing trend in sightings, pledging continuous prevention efforts.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 22:25
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yu-ting, Tsai Su-rong Taipei 1st) Many citizens have recently reported frequently seeing rats roaming the streets of Taipei. Legislator Shen Po-yang also proposed prevention suggestions, and the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the proportion of reported rat deaths has significantly increased since February, and the number of reported sightings is also trending downwards, vowing to continue implementing prevention measures.
Yesterday, a netizen posted a video on the social media platform Threads, stating that when passing by Shuanglian Market during the day, they saw more than 10 rats gathered "like a zoo," running around happily and unafraid of humans. Subsequently, other citizens also posted videos on Threads, pointing out that rats can be seen scurrying through streets and alleys in Taipei, including areas around Yanping North Road Section 6 in Shilin District, and near MRT City Hall and Zhongxiao Fuxing Stations.
Regarding the Taipei City government's large-scale rodenticide distribution to solve the rat infestation problem, Legislator Shen Po-yang said in an interview at an event at Songshan Xiahai City God Temple today that the rodenticides simulate natural predators, but if pets accidentally ingest them, it could be dangerous. He added that a more popular method in other countries for dealing with rat infestations is not to kill them directly, but to disrupt their reproductive hormones.
He said that rats are rampant for several major reasons: First, there must be food. Without food, without a source, they cannot continue to thrive. Second, there needs to be channels, such as underground water pipes and passages between buildings. If relevant preventive measures are not taken, they will run wild. Third, if proactive action is not taken during the rat breeding season, it will only be possible to take corresponding measures in the next breeding season.
He said that sealed management for garbage and food waste before incineration, sufficient garbage transport vehicles, renovation of pipelines, refurbishment of underground waterways, and timely deployment of relevant drugs during the breeding season are all preventive measures that need to be properly handled to eradicate rat infestations.
Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated via a press release that through precise rodenticide application and environmental remediation, the proportion of reported rat deaths has significantly increased, and the number of reported rat sightings has also shown a downward trend, reflecting the professionalism and efforts of frontline personnel in rat extermination work.
1150501 The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that it will continue to monitor public discussions on rat issues across various platforms and coordinate with relevant authorities for joint inspections to optimize prevention measures. Citizens are welcome to call the citizen hotline 1999 with any suggestions for baiting locations, to collectively create a more hygienic and safe living environment. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150501
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(Central News Agency reporter Chen Yu-ting, Tsai Su-rong Taipei 1st) Many citizens have recently reported frequently seeing rats roaming the streets of Taipei. Legislator Shen Po-yang also proposed prevention suggestions, and the Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the proportion of reported rat deaths has significantly increased since February, and the number of reported sightings is also trending downwards, vowing to continue implementing prevention measures.
Yesterday, a netizen posted a video on the social media platform Threads, stating that when passing by Shuanglian Market during the day, they saw more than 10 rats gathered "like a zoo," running around happily and unafraid of humans. Subsequently, other citizens also posted videos on Threads, pointing out that rats can be seen scurrying through streets and alleys in Taipei, including areas around Yanping North Road Section 6 in Shilin District, and near MRT City Hall and Zhongxiao Fuxing Stations.
Regarding the Taipei City government's large-scale rodenticide distribution to solve the rat infestation problem, Legislator Shen Po-yang said in an interview at an event at Songshan Xiahai City God Temple today that the rodenticides simulate natural predators, but if pets accidentally ingest them, it could be dangerous. He added that a more popular method in other countries for dealing with rat infestations is not to kill them directly, but to disrupt their reproductive hormones.
He said that rats are rampant for several major reasons: First, there must be food. Without food, without a source, they cannot continue to thrive. Second, there needs to be channels, such as underground water pipes and passages between buildings. If relevant preventive measures are not taken, they will run wild. Third, if proactive action is not taken during the rat breeding season, it will only be possible to take corresponding measures in the next breeding season.
He said that sealed management for garbage and food waste before incineration, sufficient garbage transport vehicles, renovation of pipelines, refurbishment of underground waterways, and timely deployment of relevant drugs during the breeding season are all preventive measures that need to be properly handled to eradicate rat infestations.
Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated via a press release that through precise rodenticide application and environmental remediation, the proportion of reported rat deaths has significantly increased, and the number of reported rat sightings has also shown a downward trend, reflecting the professionalism and efforts of frontline personnel in rat extermination work.
1150501 The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that it will continue to monitor public discussions on rat issues across various platforms and coordinate with relevant authorities for joint inspections to optimize prevention measures. Citizens are welcome to call the citizen hotline 1999 with any suggestions for baiting locations, to collectively create a more hygienic and safe living environment. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150501
Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship of yours is a force protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-Hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Unauthorized reproduction, public broadcasting, public transmission, or utilization of the text, images, and videos on this website is prohibited.