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Have you been hearing odd sounds, such as gnawing, in the middle of the night? Or have you been woken up to mess and droppings, especially in your kitchen? There is a high chance that you have rodents in your home.
In this article, we’ll discuss the types of rodents that can live in your home, how to eliminate them and the best place to go for rodent control in Singapore.
Three common types of rodents that can be found in your home are Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice.
This species is the biggest of the three rodents that can be found in your home in Singapore. It ranges from 22 to 26 cm in body length and can grow up to the size of a kitten. Norway rats, otherwise known as sewer or brown rats, can always be found in the drainage system. These rats are great swimmers and tend to stick to a familiar food source.
Roof rats are known for their ability to climb, and because of that, they primarily live in elevated spaces. They are smaller in size than Norway rats, ranging from 16 to 20 cm in body length. These rats travel best in groups and are most active at night.
A house mouse’s size ranges from 5 to 8 cm, making it smaller than most rats. Despite their small size, house mice exhibit high reproductive potential, with litters averaging 20 pups. In a predator-free and human-unaffected environment, their population could theoretically increase from two individuals to two million within two years.
As rodents are nocturnal animals, it’s hard to notice their presence until an infestation happens. Here are the common signs of rodent infestation in your home:
Rodents have ever-growing front teeth called incisors. They use these tough teeth like little tools for many things. They gnaw on food to eat it, chew through things to get to what they need and use them to dig holes and build nests. If you notice gnaw marks on wires and wood in your home, it may be time to call a rodent control service in Singapore.
Rodents like to chew on many common food packages, such as plastic bags, paper sacks, and cardboard boxes. These pests have strong, sharp teeth that allow them to chew through these materials to reach the food inside.
The presence of rodent droppings is a significant indicator of potential rodent activity. Rodents can leave behind a large number of droppings each day, ranging from 20 to 30. The size and shape of the droppings can provide clues about the specific type of rodent present. This information can be valuable in determining the best course of action for addressing a potential infestation.
While rodents may be a pain to handle when an infestation occurs, there are ways to prevent an infestation from happening in the first place. Below are some methods you could use to prevent rodent infestation in your home.
A rodent infestation can be unpleasant and pose health risks. To prevent this, consider decluttering your home. Rodents seek shelter and nesting materials. Simply sort through your belongings, keeping only what you truly need. Donate, sell, or recycle the rest. When storing your remaining items, choose sturdy plastic containers over cardboard boxes, as rodents can easily chew through the latter.
To prevent rodent infestation, you must inspect your entire property, focusing on potential rodent ingress points. This includes a thorough examination of the foundation, paying close attention to gaps around windows, doors, utility lines, pipes, vents, and any areas where these elements penetrate the exterior walls. Special attention should be given to areas with pre-existing cracks or damage, as these are prime targets for rodent entry.
Store all food items in airtight containers to eliminate potential attraction. Maintain a cleaning regimen, promptly addressing spills and crumbs to prevent them from becoming food sources for rodents. Regularly empty and disinfect trash receptacles with tight-fitting lids to minimise residual odours and deny access to potential food waste. These proactive measures will contribute to a pest-free kitchen environment.
There are several methods for eliminating existing rodents in your home, but the best approach depends on the severity of the infestation and your comfort level.
Traps offer a targeted solution for smaller infestations. You can choose from snap traps that kill rodents quickly or catch-and-release traps, which allow you to relocate them elsewhere (be sure to release them far from your property).
For more extensive infestations, rodenticides can be effective but should be used with caution, especially outdoors. These baits are poisonous and can be harmful to pets, wildlife, and even children if not handled properly. Always follow the label instructions meticulously and place them in tamper-resistant stations that only rodents can access.
Some people also explore natural repellents like peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices. While the effectiveness of these methods varies, they may be worth trying for a milder infestation, particularly if you’re looking for a non-lethal solution. However, keep in mind that there is no evidence for their success.
If you notice an unusually high number of rats, or your belongings have been significantly damaged, it’s often best to hire a professional rodent control service, as they have the right tools to handle the situation. Some solutions, like rodenticide, could potentially harm you and those around you, so hiring the right professional can ensure complete safety while providing a long-term solution to your rodent problem.
If you’re looking for professional rodent control in Singapore, contact us at Greencare. We provide comprehensive pest control, including effective rodent management services. With our expertise, you can be assured that your home will be rodent-free in no time. Contact us today for further information.
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