There is a significant threat to public health posed by rats in Dubai. It also causes extensive damage to the economy. The creatures have closely followed human settlements, destroying houses, mills, godowns, and warehouses by damaging foodstuffs. Dubai’s mills and warehouses often grapple with rat infestations. A professional pest control company like Alpha Arabian Pest Control in Dubai can help you address this issue effectively. Trust Alpha Arabian Pest Management Company for efficient rodent control services in Dubai.

In this Blog, we will explore the most effective methods for controlling rat populations in Dubai, the ecological context, rat behavior, and population dynamics, all of which are essential for successfully managing rat infestations.

Identifying Rat Species in Dubai

Dubai, located in the ecologically diverse UAE, is home to various rat species with distinct habits. The murine group is one of them, and it originated in Asia before spreading all over the world. The house mouse, for instance, is a common sight in tropical regions and ranks as one of the world’s most prevalent rodents. Conversely, Norway rats dominate modern, rat-proof building construction areas, including Europe, the UAE, and North America.

It’s crucial to comprehend the ecological dynamics for properly combatting rat infestations in Dubai. Comprehensive rat control service in Dubai requires various factors, including species characteristics, habitats, dietary preferences, life history, reproductive capabilities, behavior, and population dynamics.

Rat Habits and Habitats

Rats in Dubai are primarily nocturnal, favoring dark, undisturbed places such as holes and hideouts. They possess exceptional climbing skills, efficient burrowing abilities, and are proficient swimmers. These adaptable rodents can easily traverse soft and irregular surfaces. Rats exhibit intelligence and sensitivity, with well-developed organs of hearing and touch. Their vibrissae (feelers) in the snout region help them detect potential dangers. Once rats identify food sources, they create well-established pathways known as ‘rat paths’ or ‘rat runways.’

Life History and Rat Population Density

Several economically significant muridae species breed year-round in Dubai. With a gestation period ranging from 20 to 28 days and litter sizes of 5 to 10, these rats mature in 6 to 12 weeks. Two peak breeding periods are observed—one from August to October and another from March to May. Astonishingly, a single pair of rats can produce 800 descendants in a year and a staggering 350 million in three years. While rats can live up to three years, their active lifespan is typically 18 months. Rat populations, like other animal populations, depend on environmental conditions.

Methods for Estimating Rat Population

An accurate assessment of the rat population is crucial for effective control strategies in Dubai. There are several methods employed to estimate rat populations. These techniques help determine the degree of infestation and guide control measures.

1. Sign Survey: This method relies on identifying signs of rat activity, such as tracks, fresh droppings, active runs, and fresh gnawing. Spotting live rats can also help gauge the level of infestation, allowing for a rough estimation of the rat population present.
2. Surplus Baiting: This technique involves assessing the feeding capacity of rats in a specific area and comparing it with the amount of food consumed by rats in controlled cage conditions. Initially, rats may exhibit some wariness towards modifications in their surroundings, which can lead to a brief delay. However, as rats become accustomed to the baiting point, a “peak” rate of feeding is reached, peak intake is then compared with the consumption of captive rats to estimate the relative population size.
3. Trapping: set up traps to capture rats in an area. Once a rat is trapped, it is marked and released, and more traps will placed in the same area. This is noted and recorded if a previously caught rat is trapped again. Using a specific formula, the average number of rats trapped can calculated, which provides a more accurate estimate of the rat population in the area.
4. Counting Burrows: In cases where some rats may be trap-shy, live burrows are counted first in the area. Researchers then determine the exact number of animals occupying each hole by digging into them. This information is used to calculate the rat population for the entire location.

Plan the appropriate methods and extent of control for effectively managing rat populations in various environments. Alpha Arabian Pest Management Company, with its expertise in pest control, is your trusted partner in tackling this rodent infestation. By understanding the unique habits and ecological context of rats in Dubai, Alpha Arabian Pest Management Company can develop sustainable solutions to mitigate the economic and health problems these pests cause.