Brown rats are becoming increasingly resistant to poison, prompting the government to introduce new measures to try and control the population, junior environment minster Joop Atsma told MPs on Thursday.

Research shows that some 39% of the country’s rats are less susceptible to traditional poisons, the minister said.
In addition, research by Wageningen University shows a large number of rats in the Netherlands have a genetic make-up which allows them to develop resistance more quickly.
To reduce the problem, the ministry is introducing new tests for pest control officials and for farms where rats are a considerable nuisance. It also wants more research into the rat population.