With the rainy season officially started, health officials are monitoring diseases associated with this time of the year. One is Dengue, with reports reaching alarming proportions since there is a possibility of surpassing last year's number of cases.  The other one is Leptospirosis, a disease that is brought about by exposure to water contaminated with rat urine.

"The rainy season is upon us once again and with it comes the threat of floodwaters. People living near or beside the river are especially at great risk of suffering from the diseases that dirty floodwaters bring particularly the dreaded Leptospirosis," tells Neumann & Mueller Philippines, Inc, marketing manager Mari-Gail Lasam-Cruz.

She adds, "This early we should take action against this disease and any other diseases that would threaten the lives of our loved ones. Let us remember that a staggering 3.6 million rats are born each day and each one of them is a potential carrier."

Addressing this problem head-on, Neumann & Mueller which handles Bayer Advanced Racumin in the Philippines begins its annual information campaign drive to eliminate rats from communities.

With the theme, "Protecting your family and community," the Racumin Rat Attack project recently went to Bgy. Barangka Itaas in Mandaluyong.  Residents received lectures about rats' eating habits, how they reproduce at such a fast rate, and other simple, yet very vital information that would help them deal with their rat problem.

Part of the lecture is likewise dedicated to teaching people how to outwit rats. Cruz explains that the main reason why most rats learn how to outsmart other products is that they can immediately observe the effect they have on poisoned rats.  This behavior is called "bait shyness."

"Unlike these traditional rat killing products, Racumin has a delayed killing action, meaning, it takes effect after a couple of days and rats would not be able to know that it was actually the product that killed their fellow rodents.  By then, they would have ingested Racumin already.  Bayer developed the product this way for long-term eradication," Cruz tells.

The activity also emphasizes the importance of good housekeeping and sanitation in preventing rats from invading homes and communities.  "Commitment and vigilance against rat infestation starts with correct information and proper action, and these are what we seek to impart." Cruz ends.