Rat infestation is becoming an increasing concern in Singapore’s shopping centres, where families crowding the food court, shoppers laden with bags, and delivery staff zipping in and out of service corridors on weekends. While this constant activity is great for retail, it is also creating a perfect storm for something less welcome—rats.
Last year, authorities made it clear: rat problems are not just an occasional nuisance; they are a public health and reputational risk that malls can no longer afford to take lightly. According to the National Environment Agency rat report, the National Environment Agency together with the Singapore Food Agency carried out close to 1,000 enforcement actions in 2024—almost double the number in 2023. From April 2025, enforcement rules are tightening, holding mall owners and premises managers directly accountable for lapses in housekeeping, structural integrity, and the presence of rat nests.
It is not only about avoiding fines, but also about protecting customer health, preserving the mall’s image, and maintaining tenant trust. This makes rat infestation Singapore 2025 a turning point.
Why Rats Thrive in Malls
Walk into a mall from the back corridor, bin centre, or loading dock, and you will see why rats find them so inviting.
Abundant food sources: Between food courts, cafes, bakeries, and supermarkets, crumbs and grease are everywhere. Even a discarded French fry can fuel a rat colony.
Shelter in every corner: False ceilings, ducts, and cluttered storerooms create perfect breeding grounds. - Unattended gaps in routine: Waste left overnight or bin doors left ajar are golden opportunities.
The National Environment Agency rat control guidance is simple deny access to food and shelter, and the population collapses. However, in a sprawling retail complex with thousands of visitors, this is far from straightforward.
Types of Rats in Singapore: Meet the Culprits
Understanding the types of rats in Singapore is the first step to tackling them effectively:
- Brown Rat / Norway Rat / Sewer Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) – Ground-dwellers linked to drains, known for burrowing and gnawing through wood, cables, and pipes.
- Black Rat / Roof Rat (Rattus rattus) – Agile climbers that thrive in ceilings, racks, and pipes, often moving across ledges and wires.
- House Mouse (Mus musculus) – Tiny, prolific breeders that can slip through gaps no wider than a 5-cent coin.
Different species demand different approaches. Misidentifying them wastes time and worsens the problem.
What Rat Infestation in Bird Paradise Taught Us
Earlier this year, a rat infestation at Bird Paradise made national headlines after rodents were spotted in visitor walkways. Experts confirmed sewer rats were attracted by leftover feed and easy access to shelter.
The lesson for malls is clear. Once food and shelter are available, rats move in—and controlling them in open, public spaces where trapping is restricted becomes nearly impossible.
Rat Infestation Singapore 2025: Why Rules Have Changed
From April 2025, the National Environment Agency rat control framework shifts responsibility squarely onto mall management. The National Environment Agency rat report makes clear that lapses such as exposed waste, poorly sealed bin centres, or burrows near landscaping are no longer tolerated.
Authorities now demand:
1. Documented refuse management practices
2. Strict cleaning and housekeeping records
3. Proper structural proofing such as door sweeps, drain covers, and sealed gaps
4. Evidence of inspection logs and burrow counts
The age of reactive treatments is over. This is the era of proactive, documented control.
How to Report Rat Infestation Singapore
If sightings occur in public spaces, such as outside the mall or near landscaping, use the Singapore OneService application. Reports are routed to Town Councils or the relevant government agencies.
Inside malls, which are private property:
1. Alert the facilities management team immediately.
2. Engage a National Environment Agency licensed rat control provider.
3. Record and keep evidence: photos, videos, logs, and maintenance records.
The more specific your report, the faster the action. To report rat infestation Singapore cases effectively, always include time, location, and visible signs.
Spotting Rats Before the Public Does
Staff should watch for signs before customers do:
- Fresh droppings along walls
- Greasy rub marks on beams
- Gnaw marks on bins and cables
- Burrows near landscaping or drains
- Scratching noises in ceilings after hours
Early intervention prevents public embarrassment.
The Real Cost of Ignoring Rats
Health risks: Rats carry leptospirosis, salmonella, and other pathogens.
Regulatory penalties: Fines, closure orders, and repeat inspections.
Infrastructure damage: Burrows and gnawing ruin structures and wiring.
Reputation loss: A viral video can undo years of branding.
National Environment Agency Rat Control in Practice: What Works
For malls, the National Environment Agency rat control principles translate into four pillars: - Food and Waste Management: No overnight food waste, sealed bins, regular grease trap cleaning.
Structural Proofing: Door sweeps, mesh covers, sealed renovation gaps.
Housekeeping: Decluttering, storing goods off floors, trimming landscaping.
Monitoring: Weekly burrow checks, tamper-proof traps, data logging.
Data Is the New Power
In rat infestation Singapore 2025, it is not enough to say you are managing the problem—you need evidence. Digital rodent monitoring systems log activity, track hotspots, and generate reports for compliance.
For large malls, data-driven pest control demonstrates to regulators that you are proactive, not reactive. A Step-by-Step Action Plan
Day 0–1: Contain immediately—remove food, set traps, secure zones.
Day 1–3: Full inspection—identify species, map burrows, and spot weaknesses.
Week 1–2: Elimination—treat burrows, deploy traps, and seal entry points.
Monthly: Prevention—audit risk areas, update tenants, and record actions.
Check our Blog on PSG Approved Rodent control in Singapore
ORIGIN Exterminators as the Right Partner
With decades of expertise, ORIGIN Exterminators combines elimination, structural proofing, tenant training, and digital monitoring to keep malls compliant and rat-free.
Conclusion
Rats are opportunists. Give them food, shelter, and time, and they will thrive. With stricter National Environment Agency rat control rules in place, rat infestation Singapore 2025 demands a new standard: proactive, documented, effective control.
From bin centres to food courts, vigilance is now non-negotiable. With the right systems and partners, malls can keep rat problems firmly out of sight—where they belong.
