Suren Cooke Agencies Introduces Rat-A-Lert 24/7 Offsite Rodent Monitoring

Suren Cooke Agencies introduces Rat-A-Lert, a 24/7 offsite rodent monitoring system, which aims to exceed standards in the pest management industry in Sri Lanka. This type of technologically advanced pest control system is being introduced to Sri Lanka for the first time, keeping in line with Suren Cooke Agencies high level of innovation.

Rodents are carriers of, and spread, approximately 40 infectious and parasitic diseases, bacteria, viruses, protozoa and helminths (worms) which can have severe effects on people and other animals. At present there are many limitations in restricting the movement of rodents such as inaccessibility to their breeding spots and movement paths, and insufficient time spent at a location to evaluate rodent movement. The lockdowns enforced due to the COVID-19 pandemic has created an added limitation to rodent monitoring as most customers were unable to allow routine pest management programmes to continue at their premises. This led to a greater loss for customers as more of their products had to be disposed of due to damage caused by rodent infestation.

Suren Cooke Agencies has established its brand as pioneers in the industry by rising to and overcoming challenges, and in this instance, they have turned to the increasing advancements intechnology to overcome the barriers that customers face. In keeping with an integrated pest management approach, theyhave introduced Rat-A-Lert as the newest addition to theirarsenal to combat the rodent monitoring problem in Sri Lanka.

What is Rat-A-Lert?

Rat-A-Lert is a rodent surveillance system that monitors the movement of rodents within a premise on a 24/7 basis. This state-of-the-art system has sensors that identify rodent activity based on both movement and the heat signature of the rodent. It then triggers a (wireless) alert to a gateway which uploads the data to the cloud and on to the main system.

The effectiveness of Rat-A-Lert means a reduced reliance on manpower as the system operates 24/7, and a real-time heat map allows for a more focused treatment to be planned. The analysis of real-time data helps reduce the need for physical surveillance, thereby increasing productivity which allows for a more professional and focused treatment plan - which inevitably reduces the usage of rodenticides.

Over the past 35 years, Suren Cooke Agencies has introduced novel and technologically advanced pest management treatment techniques, insecticides, and equipment in Sri Lanka. Due to the numerous strong partnerships that Suren Cooke Agencies has with companies worldwide, they can introduce new and innovative products, technical knowledge and training to the pest control industry in Sri Lanka. Rat-A-Lert is the latest addition to the vast array of products in their portfolio. This product is best used in conjunction with the SureKill Rodent bait station, which can be installed with the Rat-A-Lert system (upgrading the SureKill and SureKill Eco station models).

Mr. Rajitha Cooke, Director of Suren Cooke Agencies, the man behind the introduction of this new technology stated that this off-site rodent monitoring system will help customers to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their current conventional rodent management programmes. Given the constraints posed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this solution will be more economical for customers in the long term.

He also stated that technicians are out on any given client’s property for only a limited number of minutes per month, which means the chances of identifying pest issues during their visit are slim - unless there is a significant infestation. Most of the time technicians are not physically on a client’s property, so it is very difficult to effectively identify the extent of the rodent infestation.

Rat-A-Lert monitors can also pinpoint the exact location of the issue. For example, if twenty-five Rat-A-Lert monitors are spread across a client’s premise and only five monitors signify any activity this identifies the exact location of rodent movement. Based on this data steps can be taken to effectivelyrodent proof the affected area and solve the issue. Also, if a customer is concerned about outsiders coming into their premises (due to the current COVID-19 pandemic) this system would help reduce the number of visits as the treatment will be monitored offsite. This is an evolutionary step forward by Suren Cooke Agencies to better serve their customers’ requirements in the most effective manner.

Suren Cooke Agencies continues their pursuit in introducing safe and environmentally friendly products to ensure that Pest Management in Sri Lanka meets international standards, and that Sri Lanka has access to the best technology used around the world.