A mine detection rat can check the area of a tennis court in just 30 minutes, a job that would take a human with a metal detector up to four days.

Nearly 1,000,000 people have been freed from the threat of explosives and with around 50% of all landmine injuries worldwide being inflicted upon children we (Combat Pest Control) officially partnered with Apopo.

Back in 2003 whilst serving in Iraq during Operation Telic (Gulf War 2) I alongside several of my section were given the job of clearing a section of ground that posed a threat from mine strike.  Clearing an area takes time, effort and skill putting human life in severe danger. Apopos rodent team not only clear quicker and safer but more efficiently. Reducing the risk for all involved. Oh, the rat isn’t heavy enough to detonate the explosive, they signal to their handler and get rewarded.

Our vision is to assist children in conflict, this is one way we intend doing so. Every time we conduct a commercial task we clear an area of minefield – simple as that. We understand and believe in the power of small. Tiny sections of ground again-and-again create communities, safe communities that give children an environment to flourish and play, to be a child.

MC