August 23, 2021
RATSENSE - A Guide to the More Common Rodent Species in Singapore
Rodent infestations are one of the most common issues faced by Singaporeans. Not just confined to residential properties, the problem can affect commercial spaces as well. Infestations not only damage property but also bring with them the risk of disease.
Rats can find their way into your property no matter what preventive measures for rat control in Singapore you may take. Though many people may lump all rodents into the same group, there are actually various species of these tiny pests which vary significantly in features, behaviour, eating habits, habitat and looks. Every region of Singapore witnesses a particular type of rodents more than the others.
There are three common types of rodent species in Singapore. Namely the brown rat, the black rat and the house mouse. Here’s a look at each one of them:
Black Rat – Rattus rattus
The black rat is also known as the roof rat. These types of rats are more commonly found in coastal areas like Sentosa and Changi Beach, as well as in urban city centres across the country.
Appearance:
- The black rat ranges from 16 to 24 centimetres in length. They have a tail that is longer than the body and head.
- The black rats weigh from 150 to 200 grams.
- They usually have a pointed nose, slender body, and big ears.
Brown rat– Rattus norvegicus
Brown rats are usually found burrowing in or on the ground but occasionally they can be known to climb buildings, pipes and wires as well.
Appearance:
- The brown rat is usually 40 centimetres in length and has a tail shorter than the body and head.
- The brown rat weighs between 350 to 500 grams.
- It has small ears, a blunt nose, and a thick body compared to the black rat.
House mouse – Mus musculus
House rats have the ability to survive in almost any environment as they are smaller in size and have a relatively higher adaptability rate as compared to the rat species in Singapore. Also, they need very little space to hide themselves and less food to survive.
Appearance:
- House rats range from 7 to 9.5 centimetres in length and have a tail of an equivalent length to their body.
- House rats usually weigh anywhere between 12 to 30 grams.
- These rats have a smaller head and feet with larger eyes and ears as compared to rat species. This distinguishes them easily from rats.
While these were the most common types of rats in Singapore, there is one other species as well which is known as the Polynesian (rattus exulans) or pacific rats. In fact, they are recognised as the third most widespread species of rodents across the globe.
Having a fair idea of the rat species in your locality helps in figuring out the best solution for rodent management. Apart from the traditional methods of rat control in Singapore, these days, newer, more effective rodent sensors are changing the face of rodent management system.
Explore the web for more information and tips on how to choose the rodent sensors for your residential or commercial property to have an efficient rodent management system. You can also browse the web to explore more about other pests species found in Singapore and learn a few tips to keep them at bay.