Efforts to control rat populations in Singapore have been working. In a joint statement released by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA), both agencies attribute this success to a multi-pronged approach involving increased enforcement, the use of new surveillance technology, and stronger coordination with stakeholders. This strategy has led to a significant decline in rat burrows. In 2023, bi-monthly inspections by NEA revealed an average of 5,200 rat burrows. However, in the first half of 2024, the average number of burrows dropped to 2,700 — a decline of approximately 50 per cent. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, Baey Yam Keng, explained that rodent burrows are a good proxy for the actual number of rodents around, indicating the effectiveness of the measures taken.
Background
The significant reduction in rat burrows is a result of concerted efforts by NEA and SFA to tackle the rodent problem in Singapore. The agencies have implemented a multi-faceted approach that includes increased enforcement, the use of advanced surveillance technology, and stronger collaboration with various stakeholders. These measures aim to address the root causes of rodent infestations and ensure a cleaner and safer environment for residents.
Thermal surveillance camera pilot programme proves successful
To enhance operational capabilities round the clock and at more locations, NEA has leveraged technology to fill the gap. One such technology is the use of thermal surveillance cameras in rat burrows. Conducted over a four-month period earlier this year at rat hotspots — Buffalo Road and Telok Ayer Street — the cameras were useful in capturing footage of the routes used by rats to access food sources, as well as their congregation patterns. The surveillance cameras allowed NEA to identify not just areas with rat activities, but also insights behind the cause of infestation. NEA officers used this data to visualise the distribution of rat activities both temporally and spatially, allowing them to advise stakeholders on how to place targeted intervention measures more effectively. Given the positive outcome from the trial, this method will be included in the current suite of surveillance technologies.
Passive Infrared cameras
Another technology used in the war against rats is the Passive Infrared cameras (PIR). Unlike the large and prominent thermal surveillance cameras, these smaller, battery-powered devices are often placed in the nooks and crannies of drains and false ceilings where rats tend to frequent. With a depth range of approximately 1 to 2 meters, these help officers to track rat populations in areas that are less privy to human surveillance and harder to access. These PIR cameras are activated based on movement and produce black and white images.
Tougher enforcement on waste management
Apart from mitigation measures, NEA and SFA are also looking at the source. Hence, enforcement efforts surrounding improper waste management have been heightened at areas around trade premises, food licensees, and bin collection points to clamp down on potential food sources. In the first half of 2024, around 380 enforcement actions were taken by NEA and SFA against premise owners and occupiers for rat-related lapses. Of these, 105 were for poor waste management practices, such as improper disposal. In comparison, 670 enforcement actions were taken against premise owners and occupiers in 2023 for rat-related lapses, with 80 of these for poor waste management practices. Baey Yam Keng explained, “So this year, compared to last year, we are doing a lot more enforcement. And through enforcement, we’re able to protect against lapses of waste management.”
Efforts to educate stakeholders in Toa Payoh have also been ongoing. Over 260 flyers on proper refuse disposal and rat control measures were distributed to trade premises, including food operators in Toa Payoh Central. Toa Payoh had previously been reported as one of the top hotspots for rodent activity. Other measures include sealing potential rat entry points, filling crevices, and rectifying cracks around bin chutes. Findings from the rat surveillance efforts were shared with the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council (BTPTC), which then enhanced surveillance and ground treatment. The town council also carried out culling operations in areas with persistent rat activity at least fortnightly.
A collective effort
Baey also emphasised the importance of public cooperation. “Besides the operators, the premises owners, town councils, we also appeal to members of the public, because the way we dispose of our waste, our food waste, is critical. As long as there’s a food source, rats will come and multiply in numbers.” While the number of rodent burrows has reduced, Baey stressed that the efforts will not end here. “We can never be complacent in our efforts on tackling the rodent issue. While we’re seeing a reduction of burrows, and hence the rodent population, a single lapse can lead to a recurrence, and also rats to multiply, and they really multiply very quickly. Prevention is always better than cure.”
Related stories
For more information on the ongoing efforts to control rat populations in Singapore, you can refer to the following sources:
- Average number of rat burrows in S’pore in 1st half of 2024 down by 50% as compared to in 2023
- NEA thermal camera rats hotspot
- 2024 year of public hygiene
- Tampines Greengem rat infestation
