Since rats are ubiquitous and highly adaptive to new environments (modified or fragmented), they can multiply quickly in our urban environment as long as it is close to their food source. Moreover, they are not only the cause of contaminated food but also cause damage to infrastructures by gnawing. These issues occur due to poor management of waste centres, uncovered refuse chutes, overflowing bulk bins, uncleared stray animal feed, improper disposal of food waste and poor housekeeping.

To overcome this issue, both parties (the client or stakeholder and the Singapore pest control experts) need to work together consistently in proper refuse management. The actual key to controlling this issue, however, is to identify the source and high-activity areas by closely monitoring the signs of rat infestations such as gnaw or rub marks, droppings, and live sightings during daily inspections. Not forgetting to inspect areas that may potentially support rat activities such as storage areas, above false ceilings, sewers, planter boxes, unattended equipment and items (old pallets), and loading and unloading bays. Perimeter landscapes are also important to keep an eye on as there was once a case of 1,000 rodent burrows that raised public health concerns in Singapore.

Rat infestations are one of the most concerning matters for many industries in Singapore as it is a modern city-state with densely populated residential developments, food establishments, nature parks, commercial sites and industrial areas. Uncontrollable activities of building construction and shipbuilding lead to rat infestations, opening the doors for unintentional opportunities such as shelter, food and water.

It is widely known that rats carry harmful bacteria in their fur and excrement (urine and droppings) which can lead to serious diseases and, worst-case scenario, death. These diseases caused by rats include Hantavirus, Leptospirosis, Rat Bite Fever, Salmonellosis and Typhus. Moreover, rats carry secondary pests such as fleas, ticks and mites in their fur which also lead to serious consequences besides just food contamination.

Since rats are ubiquitous and highly adaptive to new environments (modified or fragmented), they can multiply quickly in our urban environment as long as it is close to their food source. Moreover, they are not only the cause of contaminated food but also cause damage to infrastructures by gnawing. These issues occur due to poor management of waste centres, uncovered refuse chutes, overflowing bulk bins, uncleared stray animal feed, improper disposal of food waste and poor housekeeping.

When the COVID-19 global pandemic hit and most establishments and residential areas were put under lockdown, rat infestations in Singapore became aggressive and thrived. Foul odours and droppings give way to their presence and live sightings of them in action damage the reputation of establishments (mainly food-related) which can lead to financial losses. Food chain suppliers, supermarkets and food shop operators are the most affected as these pests bring about concerns related to food hygiene and food safety.

Rats have excellent memories which make it difficult to control infestations, opting to return to familiar grounds and fearful of new and unfamiliar objects, odours and tastes making it difficult to lure them out into traps. They also choose flight over fight when it senses any potential threats.

To overcome this issue, both parties need to work together (the client or stakeholder and the Singapore pest control experts), consistency and proper refuse management. But the actual key to controlling this issue is to identify the source and high-activity areas through close monitoring of any signs of rat infestations such as gnaw marks, rub marks, droppings and live sightings during daily inspection. Not forgetting to inspect areas that may potentially support rat activities such as storage areas, above false ceilings, sewers, planter boxes, unattended equipment and items (old pallets), and loading and unloading bays. Perimeter landscapes such as Bukit Botak are also important to keep an eye on as there was once a case of 1,000 rodent burrows, causing public health concern in Singapore.

After identifying these locations, pest control service workers will eliminate all shelters and entry points by sealing or covering it with durable material and place rodent bait inside holes, crevices, gaps and any entry point (this method is to be done on a bi-monthly or weekly basis depending on the severity of infestation). Pest control workers also need to have good pest management practices by checking all bait stations or traps according to the schedule to prevent massive accumulation of dust which could lead to food contamination if the affected area is a food establisment or a pile up of dead pests to prevent foul odours to the success of the pest control management. Proving yet again, the important role of local pest control services, specifically radamages due tot control services in Singapore play in curbing further damages due to these infestations.