Rodents

Rodent Habitat and Behavior

Rodents are highly adaptable mammals, having successfully co-existed with humans in many different types of environments. Commonly seen commensal rodents found in urban settings are Norway rats, roof rats and house mouse. 

Rodents can nest in attics, burrows, under concrete and porches, in wall voids and other hard-to-reach places.

In Singapore, the most prominent rats are the roof rats and Norway rats. It’s important to know which species of rat is present in order to develop an effective control strategy.

What are the telltale signs of rodents?

The common signs of infestation are:

• Droppings (a dead giveaway!).

• Musky urine smell.

• Damage to packaging, especially food.

• Gnaw marks.

• Grease marks or rub marks.

• Burrows.

• Runways.

Damage

Apart from destroying foodstuffs and causing damages in the home and warehouse through gnawing (and possible fire hazards), rodents are notorious for transmitting diseases, directly and indirectly. The plague-infested rodents carry plague-infested fleas, which can in turn infect humans. Rat fleas are also capable of transmitting murine typhus fever. Coming into contact with rodent urine, blood or droppings carries the risk of leptospirosis. Other diseases include hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, rat-bite fever, trichinosis (roundworm infection) and salmonellosis. 

Recommendation

Good sanitation will effectively limit the number of rats that can survive in and around our living space. This involves good housekeeping, proper storage and handling of food materials and refuse, and elimination of rodent shelter (harborage). 

Removing clutter around homes allows easier inspection for signs of rat activity. Good sanitary practices will not eliminate rats under all conditions but will make the environment less suitable for them to thrive.

Notwithstanding, one of the best ways to control rodents is actually to make it impossible for them to gain entry to homes and buildings. Rats can squeeze through ½-inch openings due to their exceptionally flexible body structure. Gaps in foundation slabs, utility entry points, overhead pipes, gaps between the door and floor, drains and even (rarely) toilet bowls, are common rodent access points. Regularly inspect and repair these common rodent entry points to keep them out.