Rats are portrayed as cute and harmless in cartoons and children’s books, but in reality, they are unwanted guests who overstay their welcome in our homes and commercial spaces. Singapore’s dense urban environment, favourable tropical climate, and year-round availability of food make the city a perfect breeding ground for rats. These rodents also pose major public health risks and cause property damage. Although complete eradication of rats is impossible, homeowners and business operators can implement effective prevention and control strategies.
Rat Species in Singapore
Singapore is home to three rat species that are commonly found in residences and commercial properties: the Norway Rat, the Roof Rat, and the House Mouse. Although the House Mouse is not a rat, it shares similar traits with the other two rat species. The specific differences in habits and characteristics of each species determine how pest control professionals tailor their methods to target each one.
| Species Name | Common Name | Key Characteristics ands Habits |
|---|---|---|
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus) | Sewer Rat | Large body, brown fur, small ears, and a blunt nose. Lives in basements, drains, and under floorboards. |
Roof Rat (Rattus rattus) | Ship Rat | Slim body, black fur, pointed face and long thin tail. Lives in ceilings, attics, and on rooftops. |
House Mouse (Mus musculus) | (None) | Small body, grey fur, large ears and long tail. Lives in cabinets, pantries, and kitchens. |
When You Need to Call a Rodent Exterminator
Rats are nocturnal creatures, wary of humans, and rarely venture out of their habitats. If you encounter a rat out in the open, it is a strong indicator that your rat infestation is quite severe. Early recognition of the five following signs is a proactive defence strategy, allowing for timely action and minimising health risks and structural property damage:
1. Faeces (Droppings)
Look for small, brown, capsule-shaped droppings approximately 10-12mm in length, in specific areas where food is stored or eaten, such as under sinks, inside cupboards, and along the walls of kitchens and dining rooms. Old droppings are grey and hard, whereas fresh droppings are moist, dark and soft, thus confirming the presence of a thriving rat colony.
2. Sounds and Odour
Rodents are most active at night, and you can hear them being active after sunset. Listen for scratching and scurrying sounds coming from under the floorboards, in the ceiling, and behind the walls. At the same time, a strong ammonia-like odour in these locations indicates the presence of urine.
3. Gnaw Marks and Damage
Rats chew on various objects in their surroundings to wear down their incisor teeth. If you find gnaw marks and chisel-like grooves on your electrical wiring, furniture, door frames, plastic cables, or food packaging, you may have an active rat infestation on your hands.
4. Rub and Smudge Marks
Rats have poor eyesight and will follow the same routes and pathways along floors, pipes, shelves, and ceilings. Their oily, dirty fur will leave behind streaks and smudges.
5. Nests and Burrows
Rats like to breed and give birth in nooks and crannies that are close to food and water. Look for clusters of shredded material used to build nests, such as paper, cardboard, fabric or plant material. Nests are likely to be located under the floorboards, in attics and cupboards, and behind walls and partitions. Norway rats dig holes in the ground near drains, exterior walls, and under sheds.
Rodent Pest Control Methods
Prevention is the most effective pest control strategy. Here are some methods to keep a rat infestation from getting more severe:
- Keep food waste sealed and disposed of as soon as possible.
- Eliminate the rats’ access to water sources by fixing leaky pipes and closing open drains.
- Keep your property free of clutter.
- Seal off possible entry points such as cracks and gaps in floors, walls, and pipes.
- Schedule regular inspections with a trusted pest control company.
Rats are intelligent and resourceful, but you can keep your property rodent-free with consistent vigilance, preventive measures, and professional help. For effective rat control in Singapore, contact Ridpest today for our quick and effective professional pest control services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Schedule Rodent Pest Control Inspections?
There is no set schedule for inspections. As a guideline, once every 2 months (Bi-Monthly) is ideal for most residences and properties. If your home or commercial property is near an infestation-prone area, such as a food court or a neighbouring house or flat with a rat infestation, a monthly inspection is recommended since rats reproduce at a high rate.
Can I Get Rid of Rats by Myself?
Rat traps can be bought and placed as a do-it-yourself fix; however, poison baits are controlled substances under the law and may only be purchased and used by licensed pest control operators. A combination of both methods—used with expert knowledge of rodent habits—will aid in the effective deployment of traps and baits. For these reasons, it is best left to professionals.
Are Rats Dangerous to Humans?
Rats spread serious diseases such as the bubonic plague, salmonella, and the hantavirus via their urine and droppings. In addition to potential health risks, fire damage to property can happen when rats chew through electrical wires and gnaw on appliances.
