Rats overrun Den Bosch student housing, residents demand action

A severe rat infestation is affecting residents along the Onderwijsboulevard in Den Bosch, where students report daily sightings of rodents near housing between Avans Hogeschool and the Koning Willem I College.

Residents and authorities say the problem around the student housing area has escalated sharply, with rats and mice repeatedly seen in bushes and around apartment buildings. The issue was reported to Dtv Nieuws by a local resident, who wrote, “The rat problem is completely out of control. In the bushes in front of the homes, they are swarming, and they are not at all shy.”

On-site, the situation was confirmed, with rodents visible around the apartment complex. Residents say the infestation has persisted for some time and appears to be getting worse.

Student resident Noah Beersma told Omroep West, “When I look out my window, I basically always see rats. It’s been going on for a while, and it doesn’t seem to be getting better.” He questioned whether waste alone explains the problem, adding, “It’s not something that can be explained by just a bit of trash. It seems to me that housing corporation BrabantWonen is responsible here. We haven’t really seen action yet.”

Another resident, Kees van Osch, said he encounters rats daily. “They are really big rats,” he told the newspaper. “Every time I leave my home, I see one. They are not shy; they just stay where they are.” He said the situation has worsened living conditions: “Living here is much less pleasant. It is also embarrassing when people visit, and you have to explain you are dealing with rats.”

Van Osch pointed to visible waste near the buildings as a contributing factor, saying, “Many students leave rubbish behind.” He called for stronger intervention: “It is a plague, and you want to get rid of it. Drastic measures need to be taken.” He added that housing corporation BrabantWonen is aware of complaints.

A passerby walking a dog also described the situation, saying it was “terrible,” but added, “With that mess in front of the door, it is also partly your own fault.”