We want to show rats as they truly are – beyond stereotypes.

Free-living rats are social, intelligent, and capable of empathy. Scientific research confirms this, and we have gathered it in our report. Discover the facts and see how different reality is from the stereotype.

Introduction.
Why this campaign?

1

How are rats perceived?

The modern image of the rat is deeply distorted.
Our report shows that these are intelligent and empathetic animals, unfairly reduced to the role of a faceless enemy.

2

There are many stereotypes…

Over time, numerous myths have grown around free-living rats, fueling fear. In the dominant narrative, they are seen only as pests and a threat. Scientific research shows this is not true.

3

So what is the truth about rats?

Science confirms: rats are intelligent, they have complex social lives, and are capable of empathy. They also regularly care for their hygiene and keep their fur clean. Many challenges related to their presence in cities are largely the result of how we design and manage shared spaces.

This report is scientific
knowledge about rats.

„Unknown Residents of the City”
– the first report of its kind in Poland

This report is the first comprehensive study in Poland devoted to free-living rats – their biology, cultural role, and legal status. It is an attempt to restore visibility to a species that has accompanied humans for centuries yet remains outside the boundaries of compassion and even interest.

We show that the rat is a sentient animal – capable of suffering, fear, curiosity, attachment, and empathy. We believe this publication can become a starting point for a serious, evidence-based conversation – about ethics, law, and modern urban design. About coexistence, that is not naive, but responsible.

See the report

Deratization can be
ethical and effective

Population management and prevention are the foundations of ethical and effective pest control. Invasive methods based solely on poisoning work only in the short term, and the problem returns.

Ethical deratization consists of four key pillars:

Before resorting to traps, check how rodents are entering the building. Securing sewage systems, ventilation, basements and structural gaps is the most effective way to prevent the problem from recurring. Without properly sealing the building, any intervention will only be temporary. At the city level, this also means thoughtful design and modernisation of infrastructure.

Our decisions influence the population of animals in urban environments. Waste should be disposed of only in sealed, closed containers, and scattered rubbish should be promptly addressed. Open or damaged bins are an invitation to an easy food source. Housing communities can invest in more durable, better-sealed containers.

A gatecrasher can be removed effectively and humanely – through live trapping carried out with an understanding of animal behaviour. In our guide, available for download below, we show how to do this safely and responsibly. However, remember: without properly sealing the building, the problem will return.

Killing rats is permissible only in the case of a real and serious sanitary threat, and it must be carried out humanely. The presence of an animal alone does not justify killing it. If intervention is necessary, avoid methods that cause prolonged suffering, such as anticoagulant poisons or glue traps. Choose the most humane solutions available, such as well-designed snap traps or electric traps. Not all devices work as intended – so the choice matters.

Facts and myths about rats

MYTH: Rats attack humans

What is the truth?

FACT: Rats avoid humans

By nature, they avoid confrontation with humans and, in threatening situations, most often choose to flee. A rat may bite a person if it is injured, cornered, or attacked – this is a defensive reaction, not a sign of aggression.

MYTH: Rats are dirty

What is the truth?

FACT: Rats are actually quite clean

They spend up to 40% of their waking time grooming. They regularly wash themselves and thoroughly clean one another. The fact that we see them near bins is due to the easy access to food – not because of any “dirty nature.”

MYTH: Rats are a major source of disease

What is the truth?

FACT: Diseases associated with rats are rare

Although rats can carry pathogens, the number of cases in European cities remains low. Leptospirosis, often cited in this context, is very rare in Poland, with only a few cases reported each year. Importantly, this disease is not exclusive to rats – other animals, including farm animals, can also be carriers.

MYTH: Rats can be killed freely

What is the truth?

FACT: The law protects rats

Rats, like all vertebrates, are protected by law. Killing them is permitted only in specific situations, such as when addressing a serious sanitary threat, and must be carried out humanely – that is, in a way that minimises suffering.

MYTH: They are selfish pests

What is the truth?

FACT: Rats are surprisingly empathetic

Research shows that they can free trapped companions, share food, and respond to the stress of others. They form complex social relationships in which cooperation often outweighs competition.

MYTH: Rats are mindless

What is the truth?

FACT: Rats are highly intelligent

They learn quickly, remember complex spatial layouts, and are capable of problem-solving. They also learn from one another, anticipate consequences, and adapt their behaviour based on past experiences.

MYTH: Their tail contains poison

What is the truth?

FACT: A rat’s tail is not harmful

It is an extension of the spine, made up of bone, skin, and blood vessels. It serves important functions: helping with balance, climbing, and regulating body temperature. It contains no “poison.”

Why do we do this?

Mushika Foundation: Who we are

The Mushika Foundation works where others often do not – in difficult, controversial, and overlooked areas. Our slogan “Respect knows no species” is not just a motto, but a commitment.

We help all animals – regardless of their social status, cultural perception, or relationship with humans. We support companion animals, farm animals, and free-living wildlife. We are especially close to those who are the most excluded, invisible, and deprived of social support.

Our mission

We strive to build a new quality of the human-nature relationship, based on empathy, knowledge, effectiveness, and responsibility. We believe that a deep connection between humans and nature is the foundation of peaceful coexistence of all beings. Respect and empathy know no species, and humans are an integral part of nature, responsible for its protection.

Our goal

The Mushika Foundation focuses on real, systemic change and effective interventions, guided by the principles of effective altruism – we concentrate resources where they can bring the greatest improvement to animal welfare.

Glue traps are among the most cruel methods of killing animals.

A rat that steps onto one becomes immobilized. This is not a killing mechanism – it is a tool of prolonged, passive dying from dehydration, exhaustion, injuries, or hypothermia. In attempts to escape, animals tear their skin, break limbs, or chew off their own toes or tail. This is not a quick death. It is agony.

Want to help?

Sign our petition

Stop Glue Traps for Rodents

Glue traps for rodents cause prolonged and extreme suffering to animals – not only to mice and rats. They also pose a serious threat to protected species. In many European countries and around the world, they have already been banned. It is time for Poland to follow.   

Together with Stowarzyszenie Ochrony Zwierząt Ekostraż (Animal Protection Association Ekostraż), the Mushika Foundation calls for the introduction of a nationwide ban on the sale, production, distribution, and import of rodent glue traps in Poland. Sign the petition. Be the voice of harmed animals.

Sign the petition

Downloadable resources

Report
„Unknown Residents of the City”

Download and read our report on free-living rats – the foundation of this campaign.

Download

Guide
„How to Deal with an Unwanted Roden”

Has a rat or mouse become your gatecrasher? Find out how to remove a rat effectively.

Download

Checklist
„Rodent-proof Home”

How to effectively limit access for mice and rats? Use our checklist to secure your building.

Download