Pests · Can wait

I've seen rats in the bin centre or car park. What should I do?

General guidance for homes in Singapore. In a condo or other strata building, common property is for the management office; in an HDB flat, your Town Council.

Do not try to catch or touch them. Report what you saw to management and to NEA.

Check first

  • Where exactly did you see them, and at what time?
  • Can you see burrows, droppings or gnaw marks?
  • Is rubbish overflowing or left outside the bins?

What you can try

  • Tie food waste in thick bags and use covered bins.
  • Do not leave food or rubbish outside your door.
  • Take a photo from a safe distance.

When to stop and get help

  • Rats are inside your unit.
  • Someone has been bitten or scratched: see a doctor.

Who to contact

  • Management office — For bin centres, chutes and car parks. The premises owner or manager is responsible for rat control there.
  • NEA, via the OneService app — To report rats, with location, time and photos.

Find your building's management office

Every building in the estate.sg directory lists its management office's number and address.

When to hire someone

If rats are inside your own unit. Use a vector control company registered with NEA.

Ask before you book:

  • Is your company registered with NEA as a Vector Control Operator?
  • What is the total price, including call-out, parts and any after-hours charge?
  • Will you find and seal the entry points?

Prefer someone to handle it?

Ask about the call-out fee, full price and availability before booking. You can use the steps above without hiring anyone.