In 2024, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) took over 1,000 enforcement actions for rat-related lapses against various premises owners, an increase that was almost double the total from the year prior¹. 

This intensified focus on rat control has been accompanied by a growing public and expert interest in responsible pest management, with discussions emerging about finding alternatives to conventional culling. This dual emphasis, on both effective rat control and a more humane approach, highlights an urgent need for efficient yet compassionate solutions. 

Fortunately, it is still possible to get rid of rats without killing them. With these effective yet humane rat control methods, you can protect your property and ensure peace of mind.

1. Prevention is Key: Making Your Home Less Attractive

The most humane and effective long-term strategy for rat control is to prevent these pests from entering your property in the first place. By understanding their natural aversions and implementing proactive deterrents, you can make your home and its surroundings less appealing. This approach not only helps you avoid infestations, but you also won’t have to resort to using any form of rat poison or killers.

Some practical preventative measures you can implement today include:

• Securing food sources by storing them in airtight containers.
• Sealing any gaps in walls, floors, and foundations.
• Trimming vegetation away from buildings to eliminate hiding spots and entry points.
• Ensuring proper waste management and securing bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Eliminating potential water sources, such as leaking pipes or taps.

2. Humane Trapping Methods: Live-Capture Solutions

For those who wish to pursue a more direct approach, live-capture traps are a primary method for non-lethal rat removal. These traps are designed to capture the rat unharmed, but their success depends on a few key factors to be effective and humane. 

For instance, you have to use an appropriate bait and place the rat trappers in areas of high rodent activity. Also, you need to check them regularly to immediately get rid of any captured pests.

3. Repellents and Deterrents: Making Your Property Unwelcoming

Another non-lethal approach for rat control is to use repellents and deterrents to make your property unwelcoming to them. This method focuses on discouraging rats from settling in without causing them harm. 

For example, you can use natural scents that they dislike, such as peppermint oil or cayenne pepper, although caution is needed around pets. Ultrasonic devices, which emit high-frequency sound waves, are another option, although their effectiveness can vary. 

The best deterrents often involve installing physical barriers, such as sealing small gaps with wire mesh or steel wool. You can also secure garbage bins to prevent rats from smelling their way to your property. 

4. Sing Kong Environmental's Smart Rat Trapper

While traditional methods like rat poison or snap traps (rat killer) are often messy, inhumane, and environmentally harmful, Sing Kong Environmental’s Smart Rat Trapper offers a superior solution. 

Our Smart Rat Trapper is designed with humane principles to get rid of rats without killing them. This advanced mouse trap also features all-natural, non-toxic bait. So, you can safely place it on your property without worrying about any harmful effects to your pets, children, and the environment. 

Prioritising humane and non-toxic methods, our smart traps ensure quick and humane capture that adheres to ethical pest management practices. At the same time, its contained capture system with antibacterial coating enables hygienic disposal, while its 24/7 operation and user-friendly design make it a durable and sustainable option for effective rodent management.

A Humane Approach to Rat Control for a Healthier Singapore

Getting rid of rats without killing them is a goal that can be met through a combination of diligent prevention, humane trapping, and effective deterrents. By implementing these compassionate methods, you can protect your property and family without compromising your ethical values. 

Among the modern options available, Sing Kong Environmental's Smart Rat Trapper stands out as a reliable and ethical choice. With its focus on humane capture, chemical-free baits, and hygienic design, it offers a superior solution for rat control. 

Explore our Smart Rat Trapper today to discover a humane and effective solution to your rat problems and have the peace of mind knowing that you’re protected from rodent-borne diseases.

References

1 – National Environment Agency, February 2025