Rentokil and Google hatch plan to catch rats via the Internet of Things

Royal ratcatcher Rentokil Initial is becoming an online ratcatcher after it teamed up with Google and consultancy PA to provide a 'digital pest control' service that will employ internet of things (IoT) technology to not only monitor infestations but then also predict rodent behaviour and map swarms of pests across continents.

Hosted on Google's cloud platform and also using its data analytics and machine learning tools, PA have helped Rentokil to develop a product that uses the FTSE 250 group's proprietary IoT-connected products and pest control expertise to "proactively" protect against the threat of pest infestation.

Rentokil's digital pest control product uses connected rodent devices with embedded sensors that are connected wirelessly to Rentokil's online 'Command Centre' so that when a rat or mouse is caught, a technician is automatically alerted and customer is kept informed through their 'myRentokil' online account.

The 'Command Centre' will also allow Rentokil to view data from across its global operations right down to each individual trap and its specific state of service.

Using all the millions of pieces of data collected from rat-traps all over the world, Rentokil, Google and PA will employ big data and predictive analytics to create what they said would be the "next generation of pest control services".

Rentokil said its vision was to be able to offer its customers "predictive advice and connected solutions which, for instance, map weather patterns with rodent behaviour or map swarms of insects as they cross territories".

Google's head of IoT solutions, Preston Holmes, said the product was a "unique digital offering" and was a demonstration of how the IoT "can bring tangible business value to Rentokil and their customers".

PA Consulting added: "There is a lot of hype around the Internet of Things in the market - and what we've created is a real, working solution that will help to grow Rentokil Initial's connected business.