However, getting rid of rodents requires more than just wire mesh and proper trash disposal.
Mr Hadi said just trapping individual rats is not enough to eliminate an infestation, and pest controllers usually need to get to the root of the problem by tackling nests.
His firm uses thermal imaging cameras to sniff out rodents hiding in walls or other hard-to-reach spaces, to specifically target high-activity areas to wipe out the population.
“Let’s say we have thick vegetation and it’s difficult to check every single corner; with thermal imaging, we can detect movement and treat the area effectively,” he said. “We also have rodent monitoring stations that collect data and narrow down to where the high activity areas are.”
The Singapore Pest Management Association warned that rats carry diseases that can kill. They also create fire hazards when they chew on electrical wires.
Pest controllers said tackling the issue should be made a priority and is a joint responsibility of all within a vicinity, before the situation goes out of control.
“There is lack of coordination (at the moment). Infestations at food and beverages establishments – be it rodents, cockroaches or houseflies – it is a shared responsibility, not just by the tenant or the food establishment, but also the whole shopping mall or the whole premise. Every party needs to be involved,” Mr Lee said.