Two rats gather in a shrub at the Saint Jacques Tower park, in the center of Paris, Friday, Dec. 9, 2016. Paris is on a new rampage against rats, trying to shrink the growing rodent population. Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori

A number of parks will be closed in Paris as authorities begin a widespread rat extermination.

There are now six million rats in central Paris, which has been deemed an 'epidemic' according to the UK Express.

A statement released by the city council reads: "In order to stop the recent increase in rats in public spaces in Paris, a targeted action plan is being deployed."

According to the UK Express exits from sewers are being blocked, while bait is being laid to trap and destroy the rats.

Expand Close Paris is on a new rampage against rats, trying to shrink the growing rodent population. Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori AP / Facebook

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Whatsapp Paris is on a new rampage against rats, trying to shrink the growing rodent population. Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori

Other measures include introducing rat-proof rubbish bins and cleaning up litter left on the street as quickly as possible.

People are being warned not to feed rats or pigeons in the city.

Expand Close A Paris city employee puts a dead rat in a garbage can at the Saint Jacques Tower park Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori AP / Facebook

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Whatsapp A Paris city employee puts a dead rat in a garbage can at the Saint Jacques Tower park Photo: AP Photo/Francois Mori

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