Can We Control Rodent Infestations by Ourselves?

Singaporeans are no stranger to rats. Our country may have a reputation for being one of the cleanest in the world, but that doesn’t mean we’re 100% pest-free. We still hear news of rodent infestations more often than we’d like.

It’s tempting to take matters into our own hands instead of immediately resorting to a pest control service in Singapore. But is it actually possible to get rid of mice from your property by yourself?

The simple answer is yes — but this usually works if you’re dealing with a minor infestation. Let’s check out several effective methods you can try against the rats.

Try Some Natural Repellents

Mother Nature has many scents that can deter rats from your property. While they may not be as potent as the treatments used by professionals, they are safer for children and pets.

Some of your natural options are:

• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Chillis
• Cinnamon
• Vinegar

A popular way to utilise them is by making a spray and applying it on infested areas or placing a pot of the actual plants around your property.

Trap the Rats

When set up correctly, trapping can be a great solution for small-scale rodent concerns. Snap traps and live traps are among the common types you can use. These can either be bought or made the DIY way.

For better results, place the traps along walls and corners where they travel. Don’t forget to place some food to bait them!

Consider Keeping a Cat

If you don’t mind having a pet around, why not introduce a cat on your property? No need for an expensive breed — even the strays you can adopt are highly proficient hunters.

These creatures have been kept as natural mousers for hundreds of years and will gradually reduce the rodent population on your premises. They can even help deal with other pests like cockroaches if they spot one.

Block Off Potential Entry Points

Like most pests, rodents are notoriously adept at squeezing through tiny gaps. One of the most important steps to removing them from the area is to find and seal off all the places where they could possibly enter from. These include:

• Cracks and holes in the wall, ceiling, or foundation
• The gap underneath the doors
• Exhaust fan vents

Keep Your Surroundings Neat At All Times

One of the best ways to drive rodents away is to deprive them of the two things they seek from any home or building: food and shelter. Sealing the entry points is effective, but maintaining a clean and organised place will drastically lower your chances of an infestation even more so.

Always keep your food stored away in airtight containers. This way, the rats can’t be attracted to the smells. This extends to pet food as well.

Rats love hiding in piles of clutter, so you should regularly tidy up and give them fewer places to escape to.

Your waste is a treasure trove to rodents. But if you dispose of your garbage regularly and make sure the bins have tight lids, the mice won’t be able to get to your rubbish.

When Is it Time to Call an Expert?

As much as we’d like to take the DIY route all the time, some infestations might be too severe to handle alone. It never hurts to admit defeat and book a pest control service in Singapore. These specialists are licensed by the NEA and adhere to their standards, so you have more reassurance that they can safely eliminate rodents with more advanced treatments and tools.

Pest control companies also offer different packages, so you could choose one that includes routine inspections. They’ll help ensure that you won’t have any recurring rat problems.

Professional Rodent Control is Worth the Cost

It’s certainly possible to remove rats yourself using the steps we’ve listed here. But always remember that these usually only work on small infestations. If you’re dealing with a large pack of rodents, it’s always wise to let the pest control experts do the work for you.

Let’s protect our properties the best we can, even if that means calling on others for help. The safety of your homes and businesses should never be compromised just because we want to be more independent.

You may also want to know What Affects the Cost of Pest Control Services.