Keep Rats Under Control with Effective Food Waste Management

Rats are not shy anymore. Because of global warming and rapid urban development, rodents such as rats and mice are becoming a common sight worldwide, including here in Malaysia. 

One thing we know for sure is rodents won’t say no to an easy meal. And nothing’s easier than exposed food waste. Here’s how smarter food waste management can help keep rats off your business.

How Poor Waste Habits Attract Rodents

A 2018 study in Chicago tracked rats across 13 neighbourhoods and compared the numbers with local complaint data. What they found is that areas with poor waste management had higher complaints, and by extension, rat numbers, than places where garbage was properly stored and collected.

Rats aren’t complicated. They go where food is easy to access, and trash left in open bins, dumped in alleys, or left sitting out too long is an open invitation. 

Even worse, rats use garbage as their nesting and breeding ground. And once they’ve found food and shelter, it will be harder for them to leave. The more accessible the waste, the more comfortable rats were to move in, feed, and reproduce.

The Heat is Making It Even Worse

If your waste practices aren’t solid, Malaysia’s hot weather can make the situation worse. 

• Warmer temperatures speed up their metabolism, making rats hungrier and more active.
• Heat breaks down food waste and organic materials faster. 

When organic scraps like fruit peels and leftovers begin to decay, they release a strong mix of smells that are irresistible to rodents. 

Then there’s wet waste. Spilled liquids like soups and drinks leave scent trails that rats can track. And because it’s very humid in Malaysia, those odours stick around longer, especially in tight spaces with poor ventilation.

Rodents Have an Exceptional Sense of Smell

Rodents don’t rely much on sight or sound. Their vision is poor, and their hearing isn’t great, but their sense of smell is highly developed. In fact, one species of giant rodent has been trained to sniff and detect landmines and explosives. 

Rats and mice have 1,200 functional odour receptors; by contrast, we only have 400. They can detect specific scent molecules released by decaying food, which is why they can still find garbage even when it’s lightly sealed.

Make Your Property Less Attractive to These Nosy Pests

Keeping food waste secure is a simple yet overlooked concept that we need to remember if we want to avoid rodent infestation. Sharing below actionable tips you can try in your property. 

• Clear your trash bin before the afternoon: Warm weather speeds up decomposition, making smells more attractive to rats. Aim to have waste collected in the morning whenever possible.
• Invest in lockable trash bins: Choose bins with tight-fitting lids that can’t be nudged open or chewed through. If the lid clicks or locks shut, even better.
• Separate food scraps and liquids using colour-coded bags: This makes disposal more organised and helps prevent leaks that leave scent trails. Double-bagging organic waste can also help contain odours.

Need a Tailored Action Plan? We’re Here to Help

If you’re dealing with a persistent rodent problem and need a reliable solution, we’re ready to step in. We offer rodent control services across Malaysia, with plans tailored for businesses and commercial spaces. 

Beyond just treatment, our team is trained to spot the factors that lead to rodent infestations. This includes waste management and food handling practices. Once we have a clearer picture, we design a tailored strategy that incorporates solutions such as strategic placement of traps and baits, structural recommendations and other improvements. 

We take heavy consideration of food safety, making it ideal for restaurants and food businesses that can’t afford to take chances with hygiene or compliance.

Talk to us today. We’ll help you put a strategy to keep your property protected against rodents and other pests.