Singapore’s rodent problem has been worsening in recent years. With factors like climate change and our ongoing urbanisation making more pests seek food and shelter indoors, it’s no surprise that many residents face troubles with rats.
While local authorities are stepping up their anti-rodent measures with programmes such as the RatFix! campaign in Pasir Ris West, we still have to do our part to keep our own homes safe too.
If you’re unsure of where to start, here’s a guide of practical steps to protect your home from rodents, and how to tell if it’s time to call for professional pest control in Singapore.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Place from Rodents?
Like most pests, rodents are drawn to our homes for three main reasons: food, water, and shelter. If you’re able to eliminate or at least reduce these, then you will make your property less inviting to them.
Cleanliness is Your Primary Defence
Never underestimate how a clean home can keep rodents away. When they don’t find convenient food sources and hiding spots, there won’t be much reason for them to linger.
Clean up spills and crumbs as soon as you find them. You’ll want to pay close attention to your kitchen counters, pantries, and the spaces underneath or behind your appliances.
Avoid leaving food scraps in your kitchen sink — remove them after washing the dishes so they don’t accumulate.
Be sure to use bins with tight-fitting lids so the rats don’t get to them.
Keep your surroundings dry, as rats prefer staying in moist conditions.
Store Your Food Properly
Don’t forget to keep your food stored in glass or hard plastic containers with airtight lids. This goes for pet food as well, if you have any furry friends at home. Doing so prevents any smells from attracting rats and stops them from trying to chew through the tough material.
Make Use of Natural Repellents
Rodents have a very sensitive sense of smell. You can use this to your advantage and deter them with certain scents they dislike, such as through DIY sprays or placing potted plants around your home. Of course, while natural rat repellents can’t fully replace the impact that cleanliness has, they’re still useful all the same.
Some natural scents you can use against rodents include:
Peppermint
Cayenne Pepper
Eucalyptus
Citronella
Citrus (such as lemon, grapefruit, and oranges)
Seal Potential Access Points
Don’t let their size fool you — even hefty-looking rats can squeeze through surprisingly tight spaces. Make it a habit to regularly inspect your place for possible openings and have them sealed off. For instance:
You might have a large gap under your doors, so consider installing door sweeps to block them off.
Window screens should be repaired in case they have any damaged parts where rodents could enter.
All vents leading into your home should be covered with a wire mesh.
When To Book Rodent Control Services
The above methods are good as preventive measures, but not for dealing with a full-blown infestation. Here’s how to tell if you should schedule a home pest control service in Singapore:
Frequent Day Sightings - Rats are nocturnal critters. If you see them even during the day, then there’s a large population in your home.
Persistent Droppings, Stale Smells, and Chew Marks - These three are among the most common signs of rat infestations. If you keep finding them despite your best efforts at cleaning up or storing food properly, call an expert right away.
Consistent Scratching and Squeaking Sounds - Such noises from within your walls, ceilings, or anywhere on your property also mean they’ve made a nest somewhere nearby.
Singapore’s pest control companies have access to more advanced tools and methods ranging from bait stations and surveillance tech. They typically undergo training and get certified by the National Environment Agency (NEA) as well. They would be able to exterminate your rat problem safely and more effectively than if you tried doing so yourself.
Don’t Let Rats Take Over Your Home
Achieving a rat-free residence can’t always be done alone. While proper housekeeping and maintenance are certainly important, we also need help from Singapore’s pest control experts. Only then can we make sure our homes are as safe as possible from these critters.
So if you ever find a rat or two in your home, don’t wait for them to spread out any longer. Contact your pest control service right away so they can treat your place as soon as possible.
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