An IoT-based pest control monitoring system has been deployed recently at the Yeung Uk Road public market in Hong Kong’s New Territories to protect against rat infestation.
Rodent populations are common in areas where food is prepared and sold in large quantities, and popular local community market houses 200 stalls spread over three floors selling fresh seafood, meats, fruits, vegetables and grocery items.
The government was looking for a fast and reliable solution to monitor rodent activity and target treatment the prevent diseases and damage caused by rats and mice. It previously trialled thermal cameras to track rodent activity, but while they proved to be effective in monitoring infestations, they were too costly for wide spread deployment.
In the end, the government decided to use an IoT-based surveillance solution, tapping Hong Kong -based IoTree to implement RATSENSE rodent surveillance system. Coupling IoT and cloud computing, the system uses infrared sensors as “electronic eyes” that monitor, detect and capture real-time data on rodent movements 24/7. That data is then analysed to track, trend and map rodent movements and behaviours, providing building managers with insights and location-based information on rodent infestations.
The government chose RATSENSE because of the ease and speed of installation. IoTree placed 130 sensors on the floors, ceilings and other hidden locations to capture data on rodent movements around the Yeung Uk Road public market. Once sensors are installed, they can be instantly connected to the national Thinxtra 0G Network. The captured data are used to build insights that are then shared with building managers via a customised web portal and mobile application. Insights built with real-time data let building managers quickly pinpoint infestations and activities to target treatment for efficient, rodent reduction, using fewer toxins.
Deploying the RATSENSE system at Yeung Uk Road public market, the government counted several benefits:
- Save time and money by needing fewer manual inspections to find infestations and monitor traps
- Remove the guesswork from rodent detection and specifically target treatment
- Reduce the use of harmful rodenticides in the market
- Protect the market’s building from rodent damage
- Provide a safer, cleaner customer environment.
