Playground at Liebfrauenplatz closed due to rat baiting

From Monday, 14 April 2025, the playground at Liebfrauenplatz will be closed for a few weeks. This is due to necessary measures to combat an increasing rat population in this area. Entsorgungs- und Servicebetrieb Bocholt (ESB) is carrying out the measures together with a specialised company.

To ensure the safety of children and residents, the playground will be completely cordoned off with construction fencing from next week. The purpose of the closure is to carry out targeted and access-protected baiting to contain the rat population. The city of Bocholt is working closely with a specialist pest control company from Isselburg.

The ESB has been carrying out baiting in the canal area of Gasthausstraße and Langenbergstraße since the spring. Rat control measures were also carried out there in December of last year.

The animals find favourable living conditions in built-up areas - such as carelessly discarded food scraps or open rubbish bins. These factors encourage the rodents to multiply and require targeted measures to prevent further spread and minimise health risks for the population.

In addition to baiting, the area of the playground at Liebfrauenplatz is also to be refurbished. The aim is to further improve the quality of the area once the measures have been completed.