Is Urbanisation Greatly Displacing the Rat Population? | Rentokil

More buildings are developing and constructed in Singapore. Is urbanization greatly displacing the rat population leading to some serious pest implications? Yes.

As reported by BCA, The Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the projected construction demand is estimated to reach between SGD 28 billion to SGD 35 billion, which is an increase compared to prior year of an estimate value of SGD 26.1 billion.

The increase in both public and private property construction for both commercial and residential properties and as well as public infrastructural projects, are frequently seen and observed in various parts of Singapore on regular basis since past year. In terms of private residential unit properties, there is also an increase in launches among developers compared in the last quarter of 2016.

With ongoing development and construction taking place, what this means to surrounding environment and businesses?

For some species of rodents, they live in the upper part of the building or environment, for example at the attic, roof or ceiling board. For some, they are found underground or below structures where they build burrows for nesting activities. Some construction activities could potentially disturb their nesting area and drive them to relocate to another harbourage area.

While there is some uncontrollable urbanisation factor such as limiting or minimising the incidence of construction taking place, there are some defense steps we can take to prevent or reduce risk level.

Firstly, omit any food source availability for these rodents. They survive on food, water and shelter. This includes engaging in diligent housekeeping and healthy sanitation. Remove all possible hiding opportunities, such as clutters and pile-ups.

Secondly, rodents are agile and are good climbers. So long as they are let out in open space environment, they can easily slip into a building, given the possible smallest gap or hole. This includes door entrances, property opening, top of the building, through basements etc. They run along or climb on wires and piping, gaining access easily.

Rodent control such as rat traps and baiting stations are often recommended to control the population, however to ensure adequate protection and control standards, it is important to ensure a sound proofing system is in place.

1. Deny entry to rodents: Fit strips to the bottom of the door entrance as a deterrent.
2. Minimise exterior wall openings: Particularly around utility cable or pipe works, these gaps or holes would need to be filled with stainless steel wire wool, caulking or concrete.
3. Do not neglect top access: Repair roof damage (such as broken roof tiles) or use wire mesh to seal gaps found.
4. 4. Rats can swim up damaged sewer pipes and get round in toilets. Use a tightly fitting metal grates or screens to cover drains, particularly in basement areas (Note: to regularly check pipe works and ensure breakage is fixed)

By displacing the rat and mouse population, rodents are coming up and out from the ground to wreak havoc and invade places where the humans are. Construction works around the island have destroyed the many habitats of these rodents.

Construction sites also soon become sites offices which include canteens, toilets etc. such living places offer rodents ideal place to shelter with food and water. Having workers to the site inadvertently bring in litter and rubbish deem attractive to rats.  

Rat control must be in place at the earliest stages of building and construction to address issues and lower the risks of a rat infestation before it gets difficult to control.

Read more on deBugged The Pest Control Blog- ‘Rodents disturbed by construction work can be a problem on building sites’

With rising technology and innovation, besides rat traps there are digital inspections to help monitor and track rodent’s hideouts and whereabouts, including late hours at night where rats typically emerge. Find out how we can help minimize your risk and worries, drop a quick online form here today.