ORIGIN’s RatSense: Solving Singapore’s Rat Infestation Crisis

Rat-related lapses are increasing the infestation in Singapore 

According to recent reports, there has been an increase in rat-related lapses in 2024 as over 1000 enforcement actions were taken against several businesses. The figure is almost double the 670 enforcement actions taken in 2023. NEA is set to adopt stringent enforcements and a ‘multi-pronged approach’ from April 1 to curb rat infestation.

While rodent invasions aren’t new to Singapore, they have become more pervasive, which is a cause of concern for the city’s hygiene and public health. Apart from businesses like shopping malls or food establishments, rat sightings are noticeable in residential buildings and public transport systems. To combat the rat menace in our city, we at ORIGIN have a cutting-edge, high-tech solution: RATSENSE. 

Yes! Curbing infestation was once costly and daunting, but RATSENSE is transforming how rodent control is approached. Before we delve deeper into this novel pest control method, let’s explore the reasons that primarily cause the spikes in rat infestation.

Apart from causing a general nuisance, rats around you can cause major illnesses and health hazards. They carry diseases like plague, rat-bite fever, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, and Hantavirus. They are infamous for contaminating food supplies and damaging property or infrastructure. Furthermore, Singapore’s dense population clusters and rapid urbanisation offer a conducive environment for these pests to thrive. 

Factors that lead to a surge in rat infestation

• Rapid urbanisation: The fast-paced developmental activities and large-scale construction projects in the city create ideal dwelling conditions for rodents. , Rats search for a stable environment for breeding and nesting, so they infiltrate and infest food establishments, shopping malls, buildings, and homes
  
  
• Conducive climate: Singapore’s warm and humid temperatures lead to increased rodent activity.Hot and humid climates significantly impact rodent behavior by promoting nocturnal activity to mitigate heat stress, enhancing reproductive rates unless extreme temperatures impair fertility, and modifying burrowing habits to regulate moisture exposure. Increased humidity fosters parasite proliferation, elevating disease transmission risks, while resource scarcity can heighten aggression and territoriality. Additionally, rodents exhibit adaptive foraging strategies, often seeking refuge in human structures to access food and water, leading to greater human-rodente interactions.
  
  
• Waste management issues: NEA has highlighted how improper waste disposal creates avenues for rats to hunt food. Any easy access to food leftovers makes it easier for rats to thrive. While Singapore has done excessively well regarding handling waste management, lots is to be done, still! 
  
  
• Rats’ adaptability: Lastly, rats are supremely adaptable pests. They can gnaw through practically anything, squeeze through the smallest of gaps, and reproduce rapidly, making them a pest that will inevitably be present at some point, in your home or place of work. Having comprehensive systems to deal with an infestation early and prevent entry will have to be a continuous endeavour. 
  
  
• Weather extremities: The recent flooding in Singapore likely exacerbated rodent infestations by displacing populations from subterranean habitats, including sewer systems, drainage networks, and burrows, forcing them to seek refuge in higher, drier urban environments such as residential buildings, food storage facilities, and commercial spaces. Flood-induced habitat disruption, combined with the destruction of natural food sources, would have intensified foraging behaviors, increasing human-rodent interactions. The post-flood environment, characterized by high moisture levels and abundant waste accumulation, creates optimal conditions for accelerated rodent reproduction, potentially leading to a population surge.
  
  
• Rats smarts: Rats are highly intelligent and adaptable creatures, capable of problem-solving, social learning, and even exhibiting signs of emotional intelligence. Their ability to navigate complex mazes, remember routes, and recognize patterns demonstrates advanced cognitive skills. They are also quick learners, able to associate stimuli with rewards or dangers, which helps them avoid traps and predators. In social settings, rats display cooperation, empathy, and even altruistic behaviors, such as freeing a trapped companion. Their intelligence extends to tool use, decision-making, and an impressive memory, making them one of the most cognitively advanced rodents.
  
  

How ORIGIN’s RATSENSE is changing the game

With over four decades of pest management services and experience in Singapore, ORIGIN has specialised in managing rat infestation. We employ non-hazardous, data-driven, and environmentally friendly methods to eliminate rodents and related problems.

While traditional techniques rely heavily on human intervention or manpower to set up a trap that requires daily or weekly inspection and trapping, we at ORIGIN deploy the RATSENSE® Surveillance System. This unique system helps with precise, real-time detection of rodent activity and ensures effective rodent control. Using the data from the surveillance system, reports are generated that further provide actionable tips to execute successful rodent control.

Let’s look at the highlights of this innovative approach: 

1. Monitors Rodent Activity 24/7

By using IoT (Internet of Things) and advanced sensors, ORIGINs RATSENSE technology monitors the rat movement in real-time. The strategically placed sensors help in identifying rodents through their movement, vibrations, and heat signatures. The sensors capture the rat activity and notify the same to a cloud-based platform, which alerts our pest control professionals. This early detection allows our team to prioritize high-risk areas and take timely and targeted intervention measures.

2. Low-Cost Solution and Scalability

While traditional methods for checking rat infestation require significant man hours to inspect and locate so as to  set traps, this can be very costly, especially if this is needed to be done outside operating hours. However with RATSENSE efforts can be targeted and more accurate, as the technology can circumvent those hard to reach areas and also be more decisive in targeting entry and exit points. The technology is scalable and can be placed in both small and large business establishments. 

3. Real-Time Data and Predictive Analytics

One distinctive feature of RATSENSE is to collect and analyze data. Quick email alerts and detailed reports are accessible through our ORIGIN platform. The reports provide valuable data on the location of infested areas, frequency, and patterns of pest activity. By using the obtained data, our pest professionals know where to target and perhaps more importantly, can adjust strategies if the results are not being achieved. We have started  looking at ways to look at other sources of big data like weather to be able to  predict potential future infestations. Thsi removes the ambiguity and subjectivity as we can use data to drive decisions for rodent management - in short, a data driven approach.

Conclusion:

With NEA eyeing to tighten enforcement for rat-related lapses, it is the best time to opt for ORIGIN's innovative RATSENSE. Singaporeans, you can now stay ahead of rat infestation with a real-time monitoring technique that offers humane measures, data-driven solutions, a scalable approach, predictive analyses, and most importantly, a pocket-friendly pest control method.

So, whether you are a household or a big business establishment, embracing this technology will keep you protected against the threat of rat attacks!

Not only that, we have developed a comprehensive rodent control programme called ORIGIN Rodent Insure Programme with RATSENSE® which is the most comprehensive solution you will need. Click here to learn all about the plan.