Having rats or mice in your home poses health risks to you and your family and can cause damage to your property. When it comes to dealing with rodents, mouse and rat traps are an effective solution. Let’s explore the benefits of using traps, how they work, and how to successfully catch mice and rats with commercial and DIY traps.

Table of Contents

• Benefits of Rat and Mouse Traps
• How Do Rodent Traps Work
• Do Mouse Traps Work on Rats?
• Choosing the Right Mouse Traps vs Rat Traps
• DIY Rodent Traps
• Where to Place Rat and Mouse Traps
• Tips to Catch Rodents Successfully
• Smart Rodent Control Strategy

The benefits of rat and mouse traps extend beyond convenience, as this is a safe and effective method to get rid of rodents in your home. Some of the key benefits include:

• Efficiency: Mouse and rat traps are highly effective in capturing rodents, providing a quick solution to infestations.
• Safety: Unlike some chemical methods, traps pose minimal risks to humans, pets, and the environment. They can be used in spaces where chemical solutions are not allowed.
• Cost-Effective: Traps are generally affordable and reusable, making them a budget-friendly option for rodent control.

Rat and mouse traps use the principle of attracting the rodent with bait and triggering a mechanism to capture or kill the intruder. There are different types of traps, including snap traps, electronic traps, glue traps, and live traps.

1. Snap Traps: These traditional traps use a spring-loaded mechanism, attracting rodents with food or nesting material. They are placed along rodent pathways and snap shut when the rodent takes the bait.
2. Electronic Traps: These traps deliver a high-voltage shock when the rodent enters the trap.
3. Glue Traps: Rodents get stuck to the adhesive surface of these traps, allowing for easy disposal.
4. Live Traps: Designed for homeowners who want to catch mice or rats alive, these traps allow for relocation without harming them. They attract rodents with food and capture them inside the trap. After that, homeowners need to release rodents away from the property, so that rodents don’t find their way inside again.

For a lot of people all rodents look similar, but due to the differences between rats and mice you need to adjust the extermination methods. While mouse traps can catch smaller rodents, they may not be effective for larger rats. It’s important to choose traps that are appropriately sized for the target species. Rat traps are larger and more powerful, ensuring successful capture.

When selecting rodent traps, start by determining the type of rodent and the severity of the infestation. Some other factors to consider when choosing the mouse or rat traps include:

• Size of the trap – rat traps are typically larger and more powerful, while mouse traps are designed for smaller rodents.
• Number of traps – will depend on the size of your infestation.
• Type of trap – rats usually require stronger traps, while mouse traps need to capture mice quickly (e.g. using glue or snap traps). Consider if you want to kill rodents or release them after capturing, and choose traps with sensitivity adjustments for different rodent sizes.

For those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach, there are several DIY mouse and rat traps that can be crafted using common household items. Examples include bucket traps, bottle traps, and paper tube traps. While these may not be as effective as commercial traps, they can provide a temporary solution in a pinch.

For rodent traps to work, it is essential to place them in the right place. To get better results, follow these tips when placing the rat and mouse traps:

1. Identify activity areas: Place traps where you notice signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, gnaw marks, or nesting sites.
2. Along walls and baseboards: Rodents often travel along walls, so placing traps along their usual pathways increases the chances of success.
3. In dark corners and crevices: Rodents prefer dark and hidden areas, making these ideal locations for trap placement.

Here are some additional tips on how to trap mice and rats successfully:

• Use the right bait that is attractive to rodents, such as peanut butter, chocolate, or seeds. Change the bait after several days if it doesn’t work.
• Check traps frequently, remove captured rodents promptly and reset traps to maintain effectiveness.
• Regularly move traps to different locations (once in 2-3 days) to increase the chances of capturing rodents.
• Increase your chances of success by using several traps simultaneously, especially in areas with high rodent activity. Install multiple traps in rodents’ “favourite” places.
• Be patient and persistent: rodent control may require time and multiple attempts. Adjust your strategy based on the effectiveness of your traps.
• Use other rodent prevention methods: ensure sanitation and proper food storage, remove debris and food spills, and seal the potential entry points.

Rat and mouse traps are effective tools against rodents, and placing them strategically can help successfully manage rodent infestations. In case of larger rodent infestations, it is worth consulting with pest control experts. They can handle rodent baits and traps professionally, and can also help you develop and implement an effective rodent monitoring strategy to prevent future infestations.

Author: Soleha Nisaa

Rodents have long been unwelcome guests in our homes, gardens, and even cars. Their ability to cause property damage and spread diseases has raised the need to develop various methods to repel them. From the high-tech electronic solutions to the natural remedies, the variety of effective repellents continues to grow. Let’s explore if they truly work, and if so, how can you use them most effectively?

Table of contents:

• How to Repel Rodents
• Do Electronic Rodent Repellents Work?
• How 24/7 Rodent Monitoring Helps to Repel Rodents?
• How to Repel Rodents from Your Car
• Do Natural Rodent Repellents Work?
• What Smells Drive Rodents Away?
• Keeping Rodents Away

To get rid of rodents, it’s best to use multiple methods that target different aspects of rodent behavior. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

Seal Entry Points. Rodents can squeeze through tiny openings. Inspect your home, car, or other areas for gaps or cracks and seal them properly.

Maintain Cleanliness. Rodents are attracted to food and shelter. Keep your surroundings clean and properly store food to avoid attracting rodents.

Natural Predators. If possible, introduce natural predators of rodents, such as cats or certain breeds of dogs, to the area.

Traps. Traditional traps can be effective in reducing rodent populations.

Scent Repellents. Rodents have sensitive noses and avoid certain smells. Consider using natural scents like peppermint oil, garlic, or ammonia to deter them.

Electronic rodent repellents, often referred to as sonic or ultrasonic devices, are popular solutions for repelling rodents. These devices create a high-frequency sound that is uncomfortable for rodents, thus driving them away.

While some studies suggest that electronic rodent repellents are effective to some point, their success depends on factors such as the specific frequency of the sound waves, the layout of the area, and the type of rodents present. Some rodents might get used to the sound over time, making the electronic devices less effective.

Therefore, while electronic rodent repellents can be a part of your rodent prevention strategy, they might not provide a foolproof solution on their own.

24/7 rodent monitoring is an innovative technology and an essential component of modern pest control strategy aimed to prevent rodent infestations. 24/7 rodent monitoring devices allow early detection of rodent presence, which enables solving rodent issues fast and effectively. This advanced system combines motion-activated cameras, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence algorithms, to continuously track and analyze rodent activity in various environments.

24/7 rodent monitoring  is a safer and more sustainable solution for pest management, and adding it to your pest control strategy allows to minimize the use of harmful chemicals and ensures.

Rodents can also infest vehicles, causing damage to wiring and other components. Here are some tips that can help you repel rodents from your car:

Keep the Car Locked. Rodents are often attracted to the warm engine compartments and can seek shelter in cars. Keep your vehicle closed when it’s parked to make the area less inviting.

Use Rodent-Repelling Sachets. Place sachets of strong-smelling substances like peppermint, mothballs, or cedarwood in the car’s interior and engine area.

Regular Cleaning. Clean your car regularly to remove any food crumbs, garbage or potential nesting materials.

Natural rodent repellents are often used as an alternative to chemical solutions. Some scents are believed to repel rodents due to their strong odor. While these natural remedies might not be as effective as chemical products, many people get positive results when using them with other preventive measures.

Certain smells are known to be particularly offensive to rodents, including:

• Peppermint: The strong scent of peppermint oil is known to deter rodents.
• Garlic: Rodents dislike the powerful aroma of garlic, making it a potential repellent.
• Predator Urine: The scent of predators, such as cats or foxes, can signal danger to rodents.

Repelling rodents requires a combination of various methods, including electronic and sonic devices, natural remedies and scent repellent. By adopting a comprehensive rodent repellent plan, you can better safeguard your living spaces and belongings from these unwanted intruders.

Author: Soleha Nisaa

As technology continues to transform various industries, pest control is no exception. Traditional pest control methods often involve time-consuming and labor-intensive approaches. However, the rise of new tech solutions like remote rodent monitoring has offered pest professionals a more effective way to manage these unwanted invaders.

Table of contents:

• What is Remote Rodent Monitoring?
• How the Remote Rodent Sensing Technology Works
• Advantages of Remote Rodent Monitoring Over Traditional Pest Control
• Remote Rodent Monitoring Limitations
• Combining Remote Rodent Monitoring with Traditional Pest Control Methods

Remote rodent monitoring is a modern technology that allows individuals and businesses to detect and track rodent activity in real-time. These monitoring systems consist of sensors, data analysis and communication methods that notify users about the potential infestations. Using remote rodent monitoring for pest control offers some advantages compared to traditional solutions.

The remote rodent monitoring process involves several steps:

1. Placing sensors throughout the monitored area. One can place sensors in walls, floors, or ceilings, and they can detect rodent movements, sounds or heat signatures.
2. Collecting data on rodent activity. Once sensors are set up, they start to collect the data and send it to the servers for real-time analysis.
3. Analyzing the data using advanced rodent monitoring algorithms. The systems can determine the location, frequency and severity of rodent activity. They can also distinguish the rodent activity signals from other factors like wind or vibration.
4. Alerting users about rodent activity. If rodent activity is being detected, the system automatically generates alerts and sends them via email or text message to the users. The system also generates reports that users can check through web-based solutions or mobile app. This proactive approach allows users to take necessary actions and prevent severe infestations.
5. Taking necessary actions. Once users get alerted about rodent activity, they can take immediate actions to address the problem. This may include setting traps, sealing entry points, or hiring a pest control professional to address the issue.

Remote rodent monitoring has several advantages over traditional pest control methods. Some of the benefits include:

1. Early detection and intervention: Remote rodent monitoring systems allow users to detect infestation early and take action before infestation becomes severe. This, in return, prevents costly property damage and repairs.
2. Non-Toxic: Remote rodent monitoring is a safer alternative to traditional pest control methods, as it doesn’t require use of toxic chemicals and pesticides. This means reduced health risks for people and less environment
3. Cost-Effective: Rodent monitoring systems can be more cost-effective than traditional pest control methods. Besides reducing costly damage, they allow to detect the first signs of the infestation, thus requiring less manpower to deal with the infestation.
4. Data-Driven: Remote rodent monitoring systems use advanced algorithms to analyze data about rodent activity. This allows users to take targeted action to prevent infestations in specific areas.
5. Proactive: While traditional pest control methods are reactive (applied once the infestation is discovered), remote monitoring systems allow to take quick proactive measures before the infestation is in place.

Even though remote rodent monitoring systems are an innovative solution for detecting and preventing rodent infestations, they do have limitations. Here are some of the main limitations:

1. Remote rodent monitoring systems can generate false positive They can be caused by environmental factors or non-rodent species that can trigger sensors, and can lead to unnecessary alarms and costs.
2. The range of remote rodent monitoring systems have limited detection range. This can be caused by the placement and sensitivity of the sensors. For complex areas one might need to install multiple sensors to get the full coverage of the area.
3. Remote rodent monitoring systems can detect only a limited range of rodent infestations signs. Some specific signs like droppings, tail swipes, footprints, smells, simply cannot be detected by sensors.
4. Remote rodent monitoring systems do not provide measures for removing rodents, they can only help to detect and prevent infestations. To remove the rodent infestation, you will still need to use traditional pest control methods, such as trapping or baiting.
5. Remote rodent monitoring systems can be costly to install and maintain. The cost of the system depends on the size of the monitored area and the complexity of the installation.
6. Remote rodent monitoring systems depend on technology, which can break and show

Rodent control services have changed dramatically over the years. However, automated monitoring systems won’t be able to replace pest control experts and traditional methods. Combining them with traditional pest control methods is the best way to provide comprehensive coverage against rodent infestations.

If you are looking for a comprehensive solution, don’t hesitate to reach out to Killem Pest. We provide clients with a complete rodent control package that includes rodent monitoring devices installed strategically, as well as traditional pest control methods.

Author: Soleha Nisaa

While mice are portrayed as characters in many popular cartoons and movies, they are not as welcome in our house as on the big screen. Mice belong to the family Rodentia which houses many other animals such as rats, squirrels and hamsters. Among all rodents, mice and rats cause the most problems to the urban environment, thus making them an important urban pest.

Table of Contents

• • 1. Inspect your house and its surrounding for signs of infestation
  • 2. Always make sure doors and windows are properly closed
  • 3. Seal up all possible entry points of mice
  • 4. Keep all food airtight
  • 5. Dispose of food wastes properly
  • 6. Get rid of possible nesting sites for mice
  • 7. Use traps

The most common species of rodent pests found in the urban environment are the house mouse (Mus musculus), roof rat (Rattus rattus) and Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). The house mouse can be distinguished from the other two species through several characteristics. They are small (5 to 7 inches long) and are usually light brownish to grey in colour. Mice possess relatively large ears and small black eyes. They are relatively smaller in size when compared to rats.

These small critters need to be taken seriously, not only due to being a nuisance and or their ability to transmit diseases such as leptospirosis, but also because they can cause structural damages to buildings.

There are several things that you can do to keep them away from your house.

Droppings, gnaw marks and tracks are the most obvious indications of a mouse infestation. The droppings are small, usually less than 6.4mm. Similar to other rodents, mice practice gnawing behaviour to file down their teeth. They tend to chew on wooden structures and wires and this can cause serious structural damage as well as fire hazards.

We should always keep the doors of our house closed to prevent unwanted guests from entering. Windows should be shut whenever there is no one home so that you will not come back home to find “new tenants” in your house.

Mice are agile climbers so they will have little problem climbing up the windows and making their way into your house.

Mice are so small and their bodies are so flexible that they are able to squeeze through openings that are as small as ¼ inches across. Besides closing all the doors and windows, other possible entry points should be sealed up to prevent them from entering the house. The possible entry points may be gaps around pipework, holes on the roof or even the gap between doors and the floor. All openings that may serve as entry points for mice should be sealed with materials that cannot be gnawed down by mice, for example, cement and wire mesh that is smaller than ¼ inches to deny their access.

A mouse will feed on whatever humans eat. By leaving your food uncovered, you are making your house vulnerable to the infestation of various pests such as mice, ants, flies and cockroaches. Make sure your food is properly stored to prevent not only pests but also germs.

Mice are not as picky as we are when it comes to food. They will be attracted to, and happily feed on, the food wastes we leave behind. Proper disposal of food wastes is important as it will make your house less favourable to them due to the lack of food sources. Always practice good waste management to keep the rubbish chute and bins in your house free of mice as these are the popular locations for mice to forage for food.

A house mouse nests in sheltered locations and constructs its nests using shredded paper and other fibrous materials. If you recall the scenes from cartoons, the “house” of a mouse is always a hole or opening located at the bottom of a wooden wall. A mouse hole is one of the places where mice can be found because they are able to gnaw through wooden walls to construct their nests inside the hollow spaces behind the walls. By clearing all rubbish and sealing all holes or cracks around your house, you can prevent sharing your house with these sneaky critters.

If your house is already infested with mice, traps can be deployed to remove them from your house. Some of the traps that can be used include snap traps, glue traps, cages and electrocution traps. The placement of traps is crucial to the success of the traps. Traps should be placed behind objects, in dark corners and at edges near walls because mice tend to move about touching the wall. Furthermore, attractants can be placed to increase the success rate of your traps.

In order to keep mice away from us, it is important to stay vigilant and be mindful towards the surrounding environment.

Early detection of activities facilitates the prevention of infestation and management of their population.  Poor sanitation is always the cause of infestation so by practising good sanitation practices, we will be able to keep mice away from us.

Table of Contents

• 1. Mindful Placement of Bins
• 2. Always Keep Bin Lids and Bin Chutes Sealed Properly
• 3. Get Broken Bins and Bin Chutes Hoppers Replaced or Repaired
• 4. Make Sure Your Bins are Always Clean
• 5. Do Not Let Food Sit in the Kitchen Bin for too Long
• 6. Bag Your Food Waste
• 7. Do Not Let Bins Overflow
• Bonus Tip: How to Seal the Rubbish Chutes in Buildings 

In our effort to become a garden city, plants and greenery have been incorporated into the buildings and structures around Singapore. With all these plants around, they provide opportunities for other organisms to thrive. While many of these organisms such as birds and butterflies might be harmless or even beneficial to us, some might cause problems to humans.

Rodents nest in burrows in the soil where plants grow in. In our effort to bring greenery close to our living environment, rodents are also closing in on our lives.

They pose public concerns as they are not only capable of transmitting diseases such as leptospirosis and rat bite fever but also causing structural damage when they chew on wires and other building structures.

You have probably seen rodents running around residential areas or at the void deck of flats, or heard them squeaking in the middle of the night. This is due to the fact that rodents are commensal so they live in close association with humans and feed on whatever humans eat.

You might have been feeding rodents without even knowing it. They scavenge for any food that you throw away so the rubbish bins and bin chutes might be their favourite haunt for nice, free food.

How do we keep rodents away from bins and bin chutes?

Rodents might perceive the placement of bins near windows and doors as an invitation so you might want to make sure the bins are kept away from the entrances. Avoid exposing the bins to direct sunlight to help reduce the smell of food.

Rodents are so flexible that they can squeeze through a space as thin as a pencil so it is important to make sure that the bins have been completely sealed.

Furthermore, rodents are excellent climbers that are able to climb walls with a rough surface. Be sure that the bin chute hoppers are closed tightly so that these unwelcomed guests are unable to gain access to the upper floors.

If bins are cracked or broken, have them replaced as the cracks serve as open doors for the rodents. Faulty bin chute hoppers should be repaired to make sure that they can always be closed tightly.

Cleaning your bins regularly and rinsing them with disinfectant and hot water is a good way to get rid of the smell that attracts rodents while removing any pathogens present around the bins. Killem offers bin chute flush out treatment to control the population of pests that are commonly found in bin chutes.

By having clean bin chutes you can have your mind at peace as you will not have to constantly worry about pests sneaking into your house from these places.

Kitchen bins with food waste attract rodents and other pests such as flies so it is important to empty them regularly.

Throwing food waste into garbage bags or plastic bags will help isolate their smell while keeping the bins and bin chutes clean.

Garbage should always be inside the bins and not be left exposed.  Rodents are capable of biting through the garbage bags so make sure the garbage is always contained inside the bins.

By giving a little bit of extra attention to the bins around us, we will be able to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.

Sealing a rubbish chute is a common maintenance task in multi-story buildings as they can become a source of rodents and other pests. As time goes by, rubbish chutes can get cracks or gaps that become an entry point for pests into your home. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to conduct routine inspections and promptly seal any detected cracks or gaps.

To seal the rubbish chute, you first need to inspect it for any missing parts and replace them if needed. Seal the gaps and joints around the rubbish chute and the chute door. Regularly maintain and reapply the sealant to keep the chute effectively sealed, preventing odors and pests from escaping.

In the pest control industry, we use the term ‘rodent’ or ‘rodents’ to refer to both mice and rats. Rodents are becoming a rising concern in Singapore due to a very dense population and therefore an abundance of food and shelter that they can find.

The NEA has even set up a special task force to coordinate and monitor rodent control in Singapore. Below we take a look at the biology and behaviour of rats and mice.

Table of Contents

• How many types of rats are there?
• What types of mice and rats are common in Singapore?
• How to Identify Mice
• How to Identify Rats
• Signs of Rodent Infestations and Prevention Methods

There are at least 60 types of rats in the world. Two of them are particularly active in Singapore: Black and Brown rats.

Rats belong to the rodent species. Worldwide, there are about 1500 types of rodents. It is also worth noting that there are about 7 billion rats in the world.

• Black rats, also known as roof rats
• Brown rats, also known as Norway rats
• House mice

Singapore has only nine native rodent species, but animals from other regions have invaded and constitute some major pests.

One of the most common species is the house mouse.

The average mouse weighs half an ounce and can range from 5.5 to 7.5 inches long.

They come in a variety of colours, ranging from white to brown to grey. Because of their size and natural predators, they have keen senses of smell, sight, and hearing, and are cautious around people.

They also make excellent escape artists, being able to squeeze through holes in the walls, slip under doors, and even climb into cabinets.

Part of what makes them a difficult pest to deal with is their reproductive capacity: one female mouse can have 5-10 litters every year, producing 5-6 offspring each time. In total, this means one pair of mice can have 25-60 children in 12 months.

Although they may appear small and fluffy, mice are not pleasant inside homes or workplaces.

Their faecal matter contains the bacteria necessary to contract salmonella, and they can spread it to food through their feet.

While their diet primarily consists of grains, they will nibble on a wide variety of foods, making them common kitchen pests. Often living in basements, attics, and walls they sneak out from their dens when the homeowners are sleeping and inactive to search for food.

Rats are often confused with mice but are considered a more serious threat. In Singapore, the most common types of rats are the Norway Rat and the Roof Rat. The Norway Rat weighs roughly 1.1 pounds and is usually brown or grey with a scaled tail and ears. They live in underground burrows to breed and often seek out the food sources that can be found in homes, restaurants, shopping centres and commercial buildings.

Their counterpart, the Roof Rat, is slightly smaller at 12 ounces and tends to be black or grey. They also live in underground burrows, but are adept climbers and can roost near roofs, giving them their name. Both rats are longer than mice and are prolific breeders, producing 32-84 offspring a year. Like mice, they are agile and can scurry, jump, hide, and climb through small spaces.

One of the key differences between a rat and a mouse is the scales present along with rats’ ears and tails, as well as the longer body and higher weight. Rats also possess large teeth that they use to bite; their bites transmit diseases like rat-bite fever. Salmonella from faecal matter is also a threat, and rats can host fleas, presenting another pest problem if left unchecked.

One of the first signs to look for is rodent droppings. These should never be touched as they are full of bacteria and can transmit viruses like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). House mouse droppings are the smallest at one .25 inches with pointed ends.

The Roof Rat is also pointed but is roughly .5 inches long. Finally, the Norway Rat has the largest faeces at .75 inches with rounded ends, making them more distinguishable from the other two.

If droppings are found in the home, there is likely a habitat nearby.

Chew marks on food packaging and furniture are another sign of rodents, as are grease marks near cracks and holes, which indicate that rodents have been using them as entry points. If squeaks and rustling are heard in the walls, that is another hint.

Sanitation can help prevent mice and rats from infesting homes, restaurants, and other buildings, but it does not assure that problems won’t occur. To truly prevent rodents, buildings need to be designed and sealed so the pests cannot access food. Any food should be sealed in tight containers and kept high in cabinets or fridges. Walls should be properly caulked and holes should be filled immediately.

If these methods fail, calling an exterminator to set traps and find nests is the final and most effective option. Pest control providers can use glue boards that will trap the creatures on a sticky surface, snap traps, and rodenticides that will poison the rodents but are kept away from areas accessible by children and pets.

Killem has carved a niche for itself with our rodent maintenance and flush-out programs. Do check our rodent pest control page for more information on rodent control.