Our tropical weather makes the perfect breeding conditions for rats and mice. Almost instantly they would make themselves at home, settling down and making their nests in warm corners while raiding wherever there is food.
Aside from being unsightly, rodent infestation is also a considerable risk that you wouldn’t want to neglect. Rodents are infamous because they carry fatal diseases, contaminate food supplies, and wreak havoc on structures by burrowing through walls and chewing on electric wires. If you do not effectively and promptly manage them, they can develop into full-fledged infestations within weeks or even days.
However, there are some practical preventive measures that will help you keep rodents out of your property. Read on to learn more about them.
Why Rodent-Proofing is Critical in Singapore
Do you know what makes the ideal habitat for rodents to thrive? The urban environment of Singapore, with its high-density housing and extensive food outlets. The warm and humid climate allows rats and mice to breed all year round. So if you are not able to control them, their population may double within a short span of time.
Rodents are known for their adaptability and survivability in any situation. They are always looking for food, water, and a place to stay. That is why homes and businesses become the prime infestation targets. Only one food crumb or a minute drip from a faucet is enough for these pests to come unannounced. And soon, unknowingly, you will have a “rodent” problem.
More Than Just Unsightly
These pests are a human health hazard because they are known to carry and hence transmit diseases such as Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, and Hantavirus. They can leave their faeces, urine, and saliva in your food and on surfaces. This escalates the danger of the disease’s spread to humans.
They also could wipe out your property altogether. They gnaw and burrow unceasingly, weakening structures, destroying electrical wiring, and sometimes even causing fire hazards. The cost of such repair is often substantial, so you would rather adopt preventative and effective rodent control methods as this is a profitable investment. The more preventative measures, the better.
Sealing Up Entry Points
Finding and preventing possible entry points is one of the most crucial steps that you should take in order to avoid rodent infestation and in controlling rodents. Rats and mice are among the most agile of all animals and can squeeze through the tiniest of openings so you have to be very careful and meticulous in your inspection and sealing.
Carry Out a Detailed Inspection of Your Home’s Exterior
Inspect the foundation, walls, and roof for cracks, crevices, and gaps. Concentrate on where your house utilities enter which include water pipes and electrical wires. The tiny gap around an air conditioning unit or a warped door frame is all that the rodents need to get in.
Upon Identifying the Potential Entry Points,
You need to close them. Some small holes and cracks can be closed with a strong sealing substance, such as caulk or expanding foam. These materials are user-friendly and prevent rodents from accessing them.
Larger openings can be sealed using materials like steel wool, metal sheets, or hardware cloth. Nevertheless, rodents can gnaw through plastic, wood, and even soft metals, so opt for strong, gnaw-resistant materials to achieve optimal results.
Check and Seal Entry Points within Your House
Check for openings (gaps or holes) in the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, laundry rooms, and the inside walls. Seal these openings to prevent rodents from getting into your walls and living areas easily.
Other Possible Entry Points within Your House
Install door sweeps on exterior doors to eliminate gaps below them. Make sure that your windows have properly fitted screens to keep rodents out and allow ventilation.
Rodents are Persistent, and so Should You
Keep in mind that rodents are persistent and will never give up in their pursuit of a new way into your home. Regularly inspect the inside and outside of your house for any damage or new entrances. Being vigilant and fixing vulnerabilities rapidly can reduce the risk of rodents penetrating your personal space.
While sealing of entry points is a critical component of efficient rodent control, it is only a part of the whole picture. When this practice is combined with other control measures, you will have full protection against these crafty pests.
Removing Food and Water Sources
Consider the following to make your home less appealing to rodents and reduce your risk of being infiltrated.
- Start by evaluating your food storage habits.
Rodents have a keen sense of smell and can easily find food items even when it is kept in cupboards or pantries. To prevent pests from getting to it, keep all food (including pet food) in airtight containers made of hard plastic, metal, or glass. Do not keep food in the open, and refrigerate any leftovers or perishables immediately. - Beware of crumbs and spills that can easily invite rodents.
Wipe your kitchen countertops, floors, and dining areas often. Concentrate on the places that are hard to access, for instance, behind appliances or under the cabinets. Vacuum or sweep to get rid of food scraps and mop floors to clean sticky residues that might attract rodents. - Another important component of rodent control is proper waste management.
Odours and food scraps are what attract rodents to the garbage bins. To counteract this attraction, use bins with tight-fitted lids. Make sure you dispose of waste regularly and do not leave garbage in the bins for long periods of time. - Apart from food, rodents need water to live.
Repair pipe, faucet, or appliance leaks as quickly as possible to eliminate potential water sources. Pet water bowls should not be left in the open at night, and all outside water features, like fountains and birdbaths, should be kept clean and well-maintained. - Outdoor dining and food preparation areas are also known to draw rodents.
In case of having a barbecue pit or outdoor kitchen, ensure that it is neat and that there are no food remains. Outdoor cooking equipment and utensils should be kept in closed containers when not in use, and spillages and messes should be cleaned immediately.
Removing food and water sources should be continuing and it requires you to be vigilant and persistent. Why not try to encourage your family members to contribute to keeping a clean environment?
Implementing Traps and Professional Help
Although you have taken all possible measures to close all entry points and remove food and water sources, you may still see signs of rodents. Traps and professional help are used in such cases to manage and control rodent infestation.
As for Traps
There are a number of substitutes for traps, each with its shortcomings and advantages. Homeowners prefer snap traps because they are cost-effective and easy to use.
The spring-operated design of these traps ensures the rodent is killed the moment the trap is triggered. In order for them to work better, place snap traps along walls and in areas where you have seen rodent activity, such as droppings and gnaw marks.
Bait Stations
Another option is bait stations (containers with poison). When rats enter the station and feed on the bait, they will eventually die.
As opposed to loose baits, bait stations are designed to prevent rodenticides near children and pets; thus, they are much safer. However, for optimal results, it is best to stick to the instructions of the manufacturer and place the stations appropriately.
Safety Precautions
Always, be careful and follow safety instructions when using a trap or bait of any kind. Wearing gloves while dealing with traps or disposal of dead rats will decrease your risk of disease transmission.
Ensure that all traps and bait stations you set cannot be accessed by children and pets. Check them often to remove rodents that have already been caught.
For Extensive Infestations
Some cases, in particular those with large infestations, would need professional help. Pest control professionals are experts, trained, and equipped for challenging rodent issues.
They are able to assess the infestation, identify potential entry points and harborage sites, and develop a customized treatment program to eliminate the rodents.
The methods of trapping, baiting, and exclusion are used in professional pest control services. They also use specific technology, for example, motion sensor cameras or UV tracking powder to observe the activities of the rodents.
Collaborating with a professional will help to take advantage of their knowledge and the availability of products and methods that are not usually accessible to the public.
Avalon Services Can Help You Today
Even with your best efforts on effective rodent control methods, rodents may still find their way into your home. This is where partnering with a reliable pest control company in Singapore, like Avalon Services, can make a world of difference.
Aside from rodent control, Avalon Services offers other pest control services, including bed bug control, termite treatment, and mosquito prevention.
If you are looking for the best pest control services in Singapore that are worth the price, why not make your “rodent-free space” goal a continuing commitment for us? Contact us today. It doesn’t matter if you have inquiries only for now. We will be glad to answer them.
Click here for more information regarding our pest control, including addressing bed bugs control in Singapore.
