New trouble in the Otef Aza communities: an invasion of rats and mice

In the Otef Aza communities near the Gaza border, an invasion of rats and mice has been recorded. The rodents are entering homes, biting people, and damaging crops, destroying tens of hectares of peanut, pepper, and sweet potato fields. The Ministry of Agriculture attributes the cause to heavy rains and abandoned territories in Gaza. One million shekels have been allocated for control efforts.

In the Otef Aza communities near the Gaza border, a massive invasion of rats and mice has been recorded. The rodents are entering homes and public buildings, biting people, and causing serious damage to agriculture, destroying tens of hectares of peanut, pepper, and sweet potato crops. The Ministry of Agriculture cites heavy rains as the main cause, creating conditions for breeding. Dr. Yoav Motro adds that abandoned agricultural lands in eastern Gaza and IDF infrastructure work are driving rodents from their burrows. Residents of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak and Nahal Oz report catching dozens of mice per day and bites to people, including a child. According to estimates from the Natural Disaster Insurance Fund, peanut losses in some areas reach 50%. The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated about one million shekels for biological treatment and safe chemicals.