Like other pests, rats can quickly take up residence in less populated areas in your condomonium such as false ceiling. False ceilings are the ideal place for rodents to seek refuge and build their nests. These pests can wreak havoc in your condo because rats are known for chewing electrical wires, damaging building structures, and transmitting diseases. They can get into tiny spaces, which is why even the smallest of holes in your home could be a potential entry point for rodents.
A condo owner in Singapore shares his ordeal and said, “We are a family with young children and extremely worried about rat infestation in our condominium. Rats have made a hole in the false ceiling, bit several wires causing the electricity to trip and are giving my family allergy problems. We have repeatedly told the condo management to do something about it but the management refuses to take any responsibility. I have tried to seal the holes in my condo’s false ceilings and also the gaps in the walls, but it seems current rodent management practices are not enough. I need some effective rodent monitoring and management system.”
At RATSENSE, we have also observed an increasing trend of rodents entering into false ceilings of condos in Singapore. That’s why we have modernized our operations and created effective rodent management programs through the use of RATSENSE sensors for detecting rodent infestation.
When rats or mice get access to your condo through pipes, ducts or holes, they can spread diseases, cause considerable damage, and contaminate food. Therefore, it is important to get rid of these rodents as quickly as possible. Removing these rodents from your condo can be a difficult task, and you may also require professional exterminators, but these three ways can help you avoid these squeaking pests.
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- Map the entry points: Find out how the rats are getting inside your false ceiling. There may be holes outside that lead into your building, gaps in siding, wires and pipes go into the house and roof lines. Seal all the entry points with mesh wire because rats can chew through other sealing materials such as caulking. You can also tie RATSENSE sensors to pipes and ducting above false ceiling panels, to locate the travel pathways of these rodents. This would help pest manager to capture rodent activity and trap them when they are most active.
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- Clean the False Ceiling Panels: Clean the panels to get rid of mouse odor, feces, and other wastes that attract new rodents. Make sure you wear gloves and mask while cleaning the panels as rodent infested area can transmit germs to your body if you don’t take proper care during clean up. You should also check for sources of water such as a leak in pipes above ceiling panel or air.
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- Keep kitchen and dining area clean: Rats and mice can easily take up residence in your condo and start nesting. If they find a source of food and water, and a little shelter, they will never leave the place again. Take a look through your kitchen, and keep all your food tightly sealed in a mouse proof container. Don’t forget to keep dining area clean as small food pieces can also attract rats in your home. Also, have a look in other areas where you store food items, such as dog or cat food, a bag of birdseed in garage, fruits on dining table, etc.
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- Use Rodent Management System: Rats are scavengers and have a good memory. A rat can identify certain substances, including rat poisons and glue traps, and avoid the areas where these traps are kept. So, it becomes hard to control them.For effective rodent monitoring and controlling, you can use some effective rodent management systems to analyze and quantify the risk of rodent infestation and take actions accordingly. An advanced electronic rodent monitoring system can detect the activity of rodents. After confirmation of rodent infestation, you can contact your local rodent exterminator to help you successfully get rid of rodents.
These tips will help you to successfully deal with a rat problem in your condo, but if the problem still persists, then immediately contact a professional company specialized in rodent monitoring and rodent management system. Instead of playing the catch-me-if-you-can game, hire professionals. They will do extermination, prevention and cleanup, so that you can live in a rodent free environment.
References:
“Control of rodent infestations” Invasive Animals CRC, accessed April 4, 2017,
http://www.invasiveanimals.com/research/phase1/goals/goal-3/3t2/
“7 Steps to an Effective Pest Management Program”, Food Quality & Safety, February 1, 2006, accessed April 4, 2017,
http://www.foodqualityandsafety.com/article/7-steps-to-an-effective-pest-managemet-program/