What do you need to know about rodents in Singapore?

Rodents or rats and mice are a common pest concern for Singaporeans because they infiltrate domestic homes and commercial spaces, causing disruption and posing a health hazard. Food processing factories, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels are some of the most vulnerable places for rodent infestation due to the shelter and unlimited food sources they provide.

Rats are dangerous because they carry harmful bacteria that can lead to food contamination and poisoning, as well as severe and contagious diseases like Rat Bite Fever, Leptospirosis, Salmonella, and Hantavirus. In addition, rodents also carry secondary pests like fleas, ticks, and mites in their fur that can transfer to your home or commercial building. For these reasons, it’s important to keep rodents in control away to ensure your health and safety.

How do rats enter your home or commercial space?

Rats and mice are flexible creatures that can easily squeeze into small spaces. A small opening is just what they need to gain entrance. Because of this, it’s easy for them to enter your home or commercial space. To avoid this from happening, be sure to close off any possible openings like:

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Wall cracks and crevices

Check the exterior of your home for any signs of structural deterioration. For example, cracks and crevices are commonly found on walls. Inspect all surfaces and seal existing holes with waterproof sealant or caulk to block possible entrances.

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Vents

Rats are also known to climb through vents to get to their food source. It’s a convenient passageway for them to move from one place to another without being detected. As such, it becomes an accessible avenue for them to enter your premises. Don’t let them through by blocking your vents with metal screens.

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Gaps on doors and window frames

The small gap between the floor to the base of your door is just what they need to enter your humble abode. Unfortunately, they can also gain access through gaps and screen holes in your window, so you must inspect your doors and windows for gaps and repair them as soon as possible.

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Roof holes

This is a soil microorganism that targets larvae without affecting other insects like butterflies and dragonflies. As a natural microorganism, this method is safe and harmless. It doesn’t cause respiratory problems or irritation, which makes it a good mosquito infestation solution.

Rodent-borne Diseases

Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted to humans and animals through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. You may experience numerous symptoms if you have leptospirosis, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications affecting the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Seoul virus is a type of hantavirus that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected rodents, such as rats. Infection can happen when a person inhales aerosolised virus particles from rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Seoul hantavirus can trigger a disease known as hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and lead to fever, kidney problems, and, in severe cases, haemorrhage.

Rickettsia typhi is a type of bacteria causing murine typhus (or endemic typhus). It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected fleas that live on rodents, particularly rats. The symptoms of murine typhus are fever, headache, and rash, and it is generally a milder form of typhus compared to other types.

Rodents carry various other diseases as well, and that depends on the geographical region and the species of rodents involved. These diseases include, but are not limited to, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), bubonic plague (caused by Yersinia pestis), and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCMV), among others.

Tips to keep rodents away

Now that you know how they can gain entrance to your home or commercial space, it’s time to take precautionary measures to avoid attracting these pests inside your space. Here are some helpful tips you can follow to do just that:

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Close off all entry points

Preventing access by sealing all entrance points like doors, windows, wall cracks, and roof holes is an effective way to keep rodents away. As agile creatures, they can be relentless in their pursuit to get what they want, which is food and shelter. So by blocking all entrances, you discourage them from gaining access.

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Keep food in tightly sealed containers

Another helpful tip is not to draw attention to your home or commercial building. Food is one of the most attractive things to rodents, so it’s important to seal up leftovers in airtight containers to avoid the smell from wafting through the air. Likewise, you should sweep and mop the floors daily to remove food particles, grease, and other residues that might attract rodents.

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Dispose of food wastes accordingly

Besides the food that you have stored in your refrigerator and pantries, rats are also attracted to the food you throw away. They will rummage through your trash for food. To avoid this, dispose of your trash daily and practice proper waste management.

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Set up traps if necessary

If your space has a history of rodent infestation or is currently being infested, one effective rodent pest control method is to set traps in strategic locations. This includes setting glue traps, snap traps, electrocution traps, or cages in places where you suspect they might be. Set your traps behind your refrigerator, under the stove, and in dark corners. Use bait to increase your chances of catching the rodents.

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Be familiar with infestation signs

Watch out for signs like droppings, rat tracks, rat holes, scratching noises, and gnaw marks that you might find in your surroundings, as they can determine whether or not you’re experiencing rodent problems. Once these signs appear, search for “rodent control services near me” and hire a suitable rodent exterminator to manage the problem immediately.

Get Help from the Rodent Control Experts

Avalon Services isn’t just another pest control company. Our roots date back to 1999, and we have spent decades honing our cleaning and pest control solutions. Our team of pest control specialists draw upon their years of experience using advanced equipment to provide effective and environmentally friendly rodent control methods and solutions both for homes and businesses across Singapore. Entrust us with any pest control or prevention measures for your premises.

FAQs

How quickly can rodents reproduce and multiply?

Rodents are infamous for their quick reproduction. The following are the reasons why:

Mice have a gestation period of only 19-21 days.
Female rodents can have 5 to 10 litters per year.
Each litter can contain anywhere from 3 to 14 pups.
Young rodents become sexually mature within weeks or a few months.

How often should I schedule professional rodent inspections?

The recommended frequency for rodent inspections usually depends on the location, property, and history of infestation. For residential homes, at least annually. Consider quarterly inspections if you are in a high-risk area. For commercial properties, monthly or quarterly inspections are often recommended.

What steps should I take if I find evidence of rodents in my home?

Discovering the presence of rodents is alarming, so you must take action quickly. Here is what you need to do:

Confirm if there are really rodents by inspecting for droppings, gnaw marks, and nests.
Upon confirmation, seal every crack, gap, and hole that you can find, as they may serve as entrances for rodents.
Make sure there are no food sources and the areas are thoroughly clean.
Use appropriate traps or bait and strategically place them where you think there is rodent activity.
Contact a pest control professional if the infestation is severe or if DIY efforts aren’t working.

Note: Prioritise safety when dealing with rodents because they may carry diseases. Equip yourself with gloves and employ proper cleaning practices.

Are rodent traps safe to use around children and pets?

Rodent traps are risky when placed near children and pets. Always place them out of their reach, and supervise if necessary. You may create additional barriers to restrict access to traps. If you are unsure, a pest control professional can recommend strategies and the appropriate traps to use.

What should I do if I suspect a rodent problem but can't find any evidence?

Direct evidence may not be clear at first, so pay attention to the following subtle signs to confirm their presence:

Scratching, squeaking, or scurrying sounds, especially at night
A stale, musky smell
Chewed food packaging or gnaw marks on wires or belongings in less-frequented areas

To further confirm, do the following tests:

Place a light dusting of flour or cornstarch near suspected areas
Set up non-toxic traps or monitoring stations

If your suspicion remains strong, even without clear evidence, engage a pest control service provider. They have the training and tools to conduct a more thorough inspection.

How long does it typically take to eliminate a rodent infestation?

Refer to the general timeline below for the expected period before a rodent infestation is eliminated:

Small infestations – If you take immediate action, you might see results within a week or two.
Moderate infestations – This may take several weeks to a month for complete elimination.
Severe infestations – It could take several months. Ongoing monitoring could be conducted to assess potential re-infestation.

What are the risks of using DIY rodent control methods versus professional services?

The following are the risks of opting for a fully DIY approach in addressing rodent infestation:

Less expensive (initially)
May not solve the problem (limited effectiveness)
Risks to pets & children (safety hazards)

Only choose DIY for small, suspected problems. But for large infestations, safety concerns, and guaranteed results, partnering with pest control professionals is the best option.