Now city sets owls on rats

Methods used to kill rats included owls, rat cages and fumigation.

"The city has opted for the owl solution," he said. "Owl nesting and release boxes have been installed in three schools in Alexandra as this three-year project will be educating schools on the role owls play in eradicating rats."

Nkabinde said prevention remained the best solution to rat infestation.

"We have to eliminate the conditions in which the rodents thrive and for this we need the active cooperation of all residents of Johannesburg."

He said illegal dumping and careless disposal of food and waste were still the primary causes of rodent infestation .