Rodents are one of the most common types of pests found at homes in Singapore. Rats and mice that belong to the rodent family are opportunistic feeders. This means that they feed on a wide variety of food including human food, pet food, dead animals and even garbage. Rodents are flexible pests and are highly adaptable to new environments. In addition, they have a remarkable ability to squeeze through tiny spaces. Therefore, they are able to enter your property through openings or gaps from the building exterior that are as small as 2 to 3 centimetres.
In this article, Bingo Pest shares the common questions asked about rodent control and why it is essential to establish preventive measures to get rid of rodents.
What is Rodent Control?
Rodents refer to pests including rats and mice. Rodent control is the process of managing and removing these pests that pose a threat to our health and safety. There are various methods involved in a rodent control programme. They include the use of baits, glue boards, traps and cages to reduce or eliminate rodent populations and infestations.
An effective and adequate rodent control effort can help prevent damage to property and curb the transmission of diseases. Besides utilising professional methods to get rid of rats on the property, it is also essential to take proactive measures to prevent rats from entering.
What are Common Signs of a Rodent Infestation?
You may not see a rat or mouse in a rodent infestation. However, there are telltale signs that you may notice. They include:
Droppings: Rodent droppings may be found near their nests, around food sources, in drawers or cupboards, under the sinks and along their travel routes. Fresh droppings are dark and moist while older ones are dry and crumbly.
Gnaw marks: Rodents have incredibly sharp incisors that can chew through items including wood, plastic and wires. Gnawing is a natural behaviour that helps rodents maintain their dental health and prevent malocclusion. Look out for gnaw marks on walls, furniture, food packaging and electrical wires.
Smear marks: Rodents leave behind oily smear marks on surfaces along their travel routes. These marks are caused by the oil and dirt on their coat of fur. Check along floor tiles, walls and pipes for presence of grease marks.
Scratching sounds: Rodent activities including climbing, crawling and digging can lead to scratching sounds. The sound may come from walls, ceilings or floors, especially at night.
Foul and stale smell: A distinctive and pungent odour may be observed in areas where rodents are active.
Nest: Rodents can build their nests from various objects including paper, fabric and insulation. In particular, search hidden spots such as behind or under appliances, in attics and basements, and above the false ceilings for presence of a rodent nest.
Adopting measures to prevent a rodent infestation can help get rid of a rodent infestation fast and prevent the problem from escalating. Take immediate actions and establish a rodent control programme as soon as you spot signs of rodents on your property.
What are Rodents Attracted to?
Rodents, like all other pests, are particularly attracted to places with food, shelter and water. Unlike what it is usually portrayed, rodents are not necessarily only attracted to cheese. In fact, they have a varied diet and will feed on almost anything available to them including fresh and stale food. For example, seeds, grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, biscuits and meat. Therefore, it is crucial to store and secure food in air-tight containers to limit their access to food items.
Did you know? Rodents can survive for more than a month without water. However, as water is still essential for their survival, rodents are also attracted to places with moisture such as leaks and standing water.
In addition, rodents are also attracted to warn places such as attics, above false ceilings, basements and cluttered piles. These places shelter the rodents from cold and wet weather conditions, and their predators. Therefore, rodents are particularly prone to nesting in such areas.
Are Rodent Infestations Dangerous to Your Health?
Rodents can cause harm to our health and safety in many ways. Firstly, rodents carry and transmit diseases including hantavirus and salmonella. These diseases can be transmitted to humans directly or through cross-contamination, and lead to food poisoning or severe respiratory conditions that may be fatal.
Secondly, these pesky creatures can damage your property by leaving behind unsightly grease marks and damaging electrical wires through their gnawing activities. In serious cases, they may lead to short circuits or even fire.
Lastly, sightings or presence of rats in food-handling businesses can also damage your business reputation, which can lead to temporary business closure and financial loss.
Therefore, it is important to take steps to prevent and control rodent infestations to protect your health, business and property. If you suspect a rodent infestation, it’s best to contact a pest control company for expert advice.
How Can You Prevent Rodents From Entering Your Property?
Simple housekeeping practices and efforts to proof your house can go a long way in preventing rodents on your property.
Cover up any gaps, holes and cracks to limit entry points for rodents.
Use air-tight containers to keep food items and clear away food crumbs and spills immediately.
Remove clutter to limit warm and cosy areas that may attract rodents to your property.
Fix leaks and plumbing issues
Use door sweeps and window screens to prevent rodents from entering.
Besides adopting these preventive methods, establishing a professional rodent control plan can also effectively avoid a rodent infestation from happening.
Where Do Rodents Usually Hide?
Rodents are intelligent. Locating the source of a rodent infestation and identifying their hiding spots is essential to effectively control their population.
When choosing an indoor nesting and harbouring spot, rodents prefer to hide in areas with a low footfall. In addition, they have a preference for dark, warm and cosy areas. They may hide beneath appliances, in attics, behind clutter, in storage rooms and inside cabinets.
Can I Control a Rodent Infestation on my Own?
It is possible to conduct your own rodent pest control. However, it may be difficult to achieve a desired result as you might not be professionally trained to identify areas of an infestation or places to treat. Moreover, if the infestation is severe, it may be difficult to control on your own. Besides, different species of rodents may require different control methods, which may be more complex as compared to the others.
In addition, controlling a rodent infestation on your own may jeopardise your health and safety. Since rodents carry diseases, attempting to control an infestation without prior knowledge and proper equipment can put you at risk of exposure. Furthermore, a rodent may turn aggressive when disturbed. This may trigger them to bite or scratch, which can lead to bacterial infection or rat-bite fever.
Lastly, certain rodent control methods, such as the use of baits can be hazardous. A pest control specialist is trained to handle the different types of chemicals and baits in a professional manner without causing harm to humans, pets and other animals. If you decide to control a rodent infestation on your own, it is important to take appropriate safety precautions and read chemical labels properly before application.
What Should I Do If I Find a Dead Rodent on My Property?
It is important to handle a dead rodent with care to avoid potential exposure to diseases or parasites. Therefore, wearing disposable gloves and a face mask is essential before attempting to remove the rodent on your own.
Pick up the rodent along with their nesting materials, droppings and food with a kitchen towel or disposable cloth.
Place the dead rodent and the other items in a plastic bag
Seal the plastic bag and dispose of it in a trash bin with a lid
Use a disinfectant to clean the area
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after disposing of the gloves and mask.
If you find multiple dead rodents or suspect a rodent infestation, it is best to contact a professional pest control company to handle the situation safely and effectively.
What are Some Effective Methods for Controlling Rodent Populations?
There are several effective methods to control the rodent population. Depending on several factors such as the severity of the infestation, type of rodent issue and location of the infestation, a combination of the below treatment methods may be used to eliminate rodents on your property:
Glue boards: These glue boards are highly effective in trapping rodents in indoor and outdoor areas where rodent activities are found.
Rodent cage: Usually made of fine wire mesh, a rodent cage is used in conjunction with baits to keep the rodents trapped securely.
Rodent bait: Some baits may act as an attractant with food scent to lure the rodents to feed on. Rodents who feed on the bait will be eliminated within the next 3 to 5 days.
Snap traps: Similar to rodent cage, it is often used together with bait or food in place. The aim of the use of snap traps is to instantly get rid of live rats.
Importantly, rodent control should be conducted to minimise and prevent harm to other animals or pets and the environment. An effective rodent control should include constant monitoring of the programme and adjust the methods used accordingly to get rid of existing rodent infestations and prevent future ones from happening.
When Should I Hire a Professional Rodent Pest Control?
You should consider hiring a professional rodent pest control company as soon as you notice signs of a rodent infestation on your property. Generally, it is best to engage a rodent control professional if the infestation poses a significant risk to your health or property.
A rodent control programme consists of regular inspections and deploying of various treatment methods to effectively control a rodent infestation while protecting your property from future rodent activities.
Bingo Pest Rodent Control Programme
As one of the best pest control companies in Singapore, Bingo Pest is equipped with comprehensive solutions to get rid of rodents on your property. We possess the tools and resources to identify and effectively locate the hiding places of rodents. Our knowledgeable pest specialists are highly trained to carry out the various professional rodent control methods approved by the relevant authorities, with an aim to reduce the likelihood of rodent infestations and their activities on your property. Call us at 6517 9989 to discuss your requirements today.
