Efforts to rid Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) of rats continue with more rodents falling into the trap, the Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) says on March 12, 2024. Photo from Miaa
MANILA, Philippines — More rats fell into traps set up by the pest control team at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said.
On Tuesday, the airport manager reported that adhesive boards and baits captured the pest at the NAIA Terminal 3 departure area.
Miaa spokesperson Chris Bendijo previously said the traps were strategically placed within the terminal at areas where the rats were usually seen.
READ: Naia pest control, housekeeping providers told to shape up or ship out
One photo taken by Miaa officials showed five rats caught in just one mouse board, surrounded by what appears to be pieces of paper and cardboard nibbled by the rodents.
Miaa explained they could not use poison to kill the rats because the toxic substance leaves a strong stench over time – which could inconvenience travelers.
The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) continues to catch rats as part of its operation to eliminate pests in the country’s international gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia). Photo from Miaa.
According to the MIAA, its campaign to catch the rats began on March 2 after a video taken by one of the passengers showing a rat roaming Naia Terminal 3 went viral on social media.
READ: Bed bugs, rat at NAIA ‘untypical’ but may harm tourism – Grace Poe
The video sparked criticism from lawmakers and passengers alike who said that the pest issue may cause a dent in the country’s tourism industry.
Before that video showing rats at a Naia terminal, other videos emerged showing bed bugs and cockroaches in airport chairs.
Miaa General Manager Eric Ines previously said he had asked Naia’s pest control and housekeeping service contractors to improve their performance or risk getting blacklisted from future biddings.
