Does urbanization greatly displacing the rat population?

Many tall buildings or skyscrapers are being developed and constructed in Indonesia. This massive building construction and ongoing development indeed raise a question: Does urbanization greatly displacing the rat population lead to some serious pest implications? The answer is yes.

According to The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTUBH) in 2016, Indonesia is categorized as a country with progressive development in the construction of skyscrapers. It is estimated that there are 586 skyscrapers across Indonesia, where up to 22% or 128 skyscrapers are located in the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta. These numbers have dramatically increased from the previous years and put Indonesia in the 4th rank in regard to skyscraper construction development after China, the USA, and South Korea.

The increase in both public and private property construction for both commercial and residential properties as well as public infrastructural projects is frequently seen and observed in various parts of Indonesia on a regular basis since the past year. In terms of private residential unit properties, there is also an increase in launches among developers compared to the last quarter of 2016.

With ongoing development and construction taking place, what does this mean to the surrounding environment and businesses?

Some rodent species live in the upper part of the building or environment, for example, the attic, roof, or ceiling board. For some, they are found underground or below structures where they build burrows for nesting activities. Some construction activities could potentially disturb their nesting area and drive them to relocate to another harborage area.

While there is some uncontrollable urbanization factor such as limiting or minimizing the incidence of construction taking place, there are some defense steps we can take to prevent or reduce the risk level of rat infestation.

Firstly, omit any food source availability for these rodents. They survive on food, water, and shelter. This includes engaging in diligent housekeeping and healthy sanitation. Remove all possible hiding opportunities, such as clutters and pile-ups.

Secondly, rodents are agile and good climbers. So long as they are let out in an open space environment, they can easily slip into a building, given the possible smallest gap or hole. This includes door entrances, property openings, the top of the building, through basements, and many more. They run along or climb on wires and piping, gaining access easily.

Rodent control such as rat traps and rat bait by utilizing baiting stations are often recommended to control the population, however, to ensure adequate protection and control standards, it is important to ensure a soundproofing system is in place.

By displacing the rat and mouse population, rodents are coming up and out from the ground to wreak havoc and invade places where the humans are. Construction works around the island have destroyed the many habitats of these rodents.

Construction sites also soon become sites offices which include canteens, toilets, etc. such living places offer rodents an ideal place to shelter with food and water. Having workers on the site inadvertently brings in litter and rubbish deemed attractive to rats.  

Rat control services must be in place at the earliest stages of building and construction to address issues and lower the risks of a rat infestation before it gets difficult to control.

Contact Rentokil at 150808 or fill out the online form to find out how Rentokil effectively eradicates rats at your business location.