A Comprehensive Guide To Pest Control In Singapore

Whether we are at home or in our office, the last thing we want is to be bothered by pests. After all, these nuisances can cause harm to the environment and building structure and pose a threat to our health and well-being.

Unfortunately, the warm, humid weather of Singapore provides pests with the ideal environment to thrive. And without proper pest control measures, you might find these unwanted guests appearing in your home or office. Therefore, it is vital for you to have a basic knowledge of the common pests in Singapore and how to deal with them to prevent a pest infestation. 

PART 2 – THE COMMON TYPES OF PESTS IN SINGAPORE

Pest elimination is not simply about addressing one’s fear and phobia. They can be dangerous if left unchecked. Bugs like termites can cause severe structural damage to your property, while other pests like mosquitoes and cockroaches can trigger allergies, such as skin rashes and irritation, and cause food contamination. As such, you need to identify an infestation early to minimise the potential damage it can cause.

Furthermore, understanding the pest problem plaguing you will allow you to launch an effective pest control operation to manage the situation. As such, we have put together a comprehensive guide about the common types of pests in Singapore and the pest management tips to keep them at bay. Read on to learn how to safeguard your property from these pests.

2.1. What you need to know about cockroaches

Cockroaches are nasty and annoying pests. They are notoriously challenging to eliminate, as they are resistant to most pesticides. Additionally, they are nocturnal creatures that tend to hide away from plain sight, making detection difficult.

Nevertheless, there are several tell-tale signs that indicate you have a cockroach problem. If you spot these red flags, it is time to call a cockroach pest control service in Singapore.

2.1.1. Signs of a cockroach infestation

1. You detect the presence of cockroach droppings and egg cases

You may wonder what a cockroach’s dropping resembles? Well, it has a cylindrical shape and looks like black pepper. Cockroach eggs, which are referred to as ootheca, look similar but are bigger and more apparent than their droppings. You will generally notice these droppings and ootheca gathered around the corners and edges of cabinets, as those areas are common hiding spots for this pest.

2. You notice moulted skins appearing around your home or office

Cockroaches shed their skins just like other insects. They typically moult their brownish skins 5 to 8 times as they age and progress through the various lifecycle stages. So if you notice these moulted skins of varying sizes appearing around your home or business, it might be time to call a pest control service. 

3. A foodborne outbreak occurs

Cockroaches are germ carriers. When they gain access to food, they will contaminate it. So if you have a habit of preparing food for your family or own a food establishment, you must take extra care to keep your kitchen pest-free. Usually, when a foodborne outbreak occurs, it can be traced back to a cockroach infestation.

4. You notice signs of cockroach bites on your skin

It is rare for a cockroach to bite a human. This scenario only occurs if this pest is starving and cannot locate other possible food sources. Its bites will appear as red, raised bumps – akin to bed bug bites but slightly larger – and cause the skin to become inflamed and itchy.

5. You notice your allergies are acting up

Similar to dust mites, a cockroach’s saliva, faeces, and moulted skin can aggravate allergy symptoms like asthma when they are kicked up in the air. Other symptoms include coughing, skin rash, and nasal congestion. 

In some cases, these symptoms can become chronic. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a pest control company to conduct a check if you notice your allergies acting up. If an infestation is detected, it is best to eliminate the issue immediately before your symptoms worsen.

2.1.2 What should you do when you encounter a cockroach?

While we do not hope to have a cockroach scurrying around our homes or businesses, there might be times when you are confronted with this problem. If you encounter a cockroach, it is vital for you to check around your property to identify any signs of an infestation. Document these signs by taking a photo as a reference for the cockroach pest control specialist. 

Additionally, you should clear any clutter or debris to make it easier for pest control to inspect the place and carry out the treatment process. We advise you to refrain from using natural remedies, such as pandan leaves or garlic, to deter cockroaches. These items only serve as a food source for them and other pests.

2.2. What you need to know about flies

An abundance of food supplies often attracts flies to a location. This explains why a fly infestation is the nightmare of many food establishments in Singapore. Not only is this pest a nuisance to chefs and customers when they constantly buzz around the food, but its presence can also affect a restaurant’s business.

However, a fly infestation is not just a problem for food establishments. It can also be a source of frustration for homeowners, especially if you have a habit of preparing food at home. Therefore, it is essential for you to spot the signs of a fly infestation early and contact a pest control service to address this issue.

2.2.1. Signs of a fly infestation

1. You notice a cluster of flies swarming around your property

Spotting a cluster of flies swarming your property is the most definitive sign of a fly infestation. It is worth noting that there are several fly species in Singapore, so it is vital for you to identify the correct breed to eliminate an infestation effectively.

The two most common fly species are the housefly and fruit fly. The former has a grey or black appearance with white colouring below its two bulging eyes. It is typically found near windows and light sources. Meanwhile, the latter is a small fly with red eyes and is usually found near trash bins and sinks. 

2. You detect dark clusters appearing on your property.

Flies leave behind their droppings wherever they land. Gradually, their faeces pile up, resembling clusters of black dots. These clusters are usually found near sink bins, trash bins, and windowsills. Other notable areas include high shelves and the top of a refrigerator. If you spot these dark clusters appearing on your property, it is time to call a pest control company.

3. You find maggots in your garbage bin

Maggots are another sure sign of a fly infestation. Female flies tend to look for dark, moist areas to lay their eggs. Trash, leftover food, and even a pet’s faeces in the litter box make an excellent breeding spot for them. Once the eggs hatch, maggots will emerge to feed on the trash, rotting food, or faeces.

2.2.2. What you can do to manage your fly infestation problem

We have established that dark, moist areas like garbage bins are prime breeding locations for flies. Therefore, you should maintain optimal sanitation on your property by conducting regular housekeeping. Always clear leftover food, wipe down the areas where food has been consumed, and wash the dishes immediately afterwards. Additionally, don’t forget to take out the trash regularly.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still notice a fly buzzing around your property. When this happens, you should inspect your premise for any signs of an infestation. Once you have confirmed the infestation, contact a pest control company immediately. 

A reliable pest control service can check for potential breeding sources that may be neglected, which explains why the fly population remains. Once the source is detected, the team can identify the fly species invading your property and install the correct type of fly traps to trap and eliminate them.

2.3. What you need to know about mosquitoes

Mosquitoes have been a thorn in many Singaporeans’ sides, especially during dengue season. Despite the community’s best efforts to combat this problem, our nation still faces the threat of a dengue outbreak. 

And it is not just dengue we have to worry about in Singapore. Mosquito bites can transmit other serious diseases and viruses like malaria and Zika. This is why every Singaporean needs to play their part in eliminating mosquitoes, and that starts with effective pest control at home! Let us share the signs you need to look out for to prevent a mosquito infestation.

2.3.1. Signs of a mosquito infestation

1. You hear a constant buzzing sound

Mosquitoes, like other flying insects, generate an annoying buzzing sound when they are zipping around the area. So even if you cannot see them, there is a high chance of mosquitoes lingering around your property if you are constantly hearing buzzing sounds. This tell-tale sign indicates it is time to contact a pest control service. 

2. You frequently suffer from mosquito bites and rashes

Do you find yourself covered in mosquito bites and rashes frequently? In that case, your home may be a potential breeding ground for a mosquito infestation. This is because female mosquitoes need the protein found in your blood for reproduction. So if you find yourself constantly bitten on your property, it is time to call a pest control company to eliminate the problem at the source.

3. You spot larvae in collected stagnant water

It is not just your blood mosquitoes need to lay their eggs. Female mosquitoes are also attracted to areas with standing water, as they make the ideal location for their eggs to thrive.

Even worse, mosquitoes can lay up to hundreds of eggs at one time! So if the infestation is not treated immediately, things can spiral out of control quickly. Therefore, we advise you to contact a pest control service when you detect larvae sprouting in any collected stagnant water.

2.3.2. What you can do to control your mosquito infestation problem

Prevention is better than cure. If you want to minimise the chances of mosquitoes breeding on your property, it is time to implement preventive measures. Some of the pest management steps you can take include:

• - Check for any freestanding water in and around your property regularly;

• - If you have a lawn, ensure there is sufficient drainage;

• - Keep your gutters free of debris so that they drain properly;

• - Dispose of any junk that could be a source of stagnant water;

• - If you are collecting rainwater, ensure you keep the storage containers covered when they are not in use.

You can also consider several DIY remedies like essential oils or natural mosquito repellents like coffee grounds. Additionally, there is no harm in applying mosquito nets and traps around your property. Lastly, don’t neglect to inspect your surroundings for potential mosquito breeding spots. If you detect any cluster forming on your property, contact a pest control service immediately.

2.4. What you need to know about rodents

Rodents are right up there alongside cockroaches as the most dreaded pests among homeowners and entrepreneurs. Like their arthropod counterparts, rats are disease carriers, which means they are a food safety risk. Even worse, these vermins will gnaw on just about anything on your property, causing structural damage. 

As you can see, rodents are a significant problem for everyone. Therefore, you will want to prevent an infestation from occurring at home or on your business premise. To help you with this goal, let us share the common signs of a rodent infestation to keep your eyes on.

2.4.1. Signs of a rodent infestation

1. You notice rodent droppings

Have you been noticing rodent faeces around the area? Fresh droppings are usually dark and moist. As they age, the droppings dry out and turn stale and grey. You will typically find the highest number of faeces near the rats’ nest. So if you spot fresh droppings, scan the surrounding areas to see if there is an active infestation. If there is, contact a pest control company immediately.

2. You detect gnaw marks around the premise

As we have established, rodents love to gnaw on anything. So if you have a rodent infestation, you might see gnaw marks on walls, plastic, wires, and even furnishings. Usually, these marks are more common on food packaging.

3. There are track marks and footprints around the area

If you notice distinctive small track marks and footprints around your property, it is the surest sign of a rodent infestation. These tracks can be easily detected with a flashlight held at an angle towards the suspected area.

But if you only have a suspicion but remain unsure of whether your property is being frequented by rodents, we suggest placing a thin layer of flour or baby powder around the area. If there are rodents active, you will spot their trails in the powder. Once you have your confirmation, you can call a pest control service to remedy the issue. 

4. You find nests near your premise

Even rodents require a home to rest and store their food. As such, they will scrounge around for materials such as fabric, dried plant matter, or shredded paper to make a nest. So if you spot a nest near your premise, and there are other signs of current presence – e.g. fresh droppings and gnaw marks – there is still a rodent infestation on your property. When this happens, you need to contact pest control to look into the matter.

5. You hear scratching noises

If your property has a rodent infestation, you will notice things going bump in the night. As they climb, scurry around, and move about, you will detect scratching sounds, especially behind walls and joists, beneath the floors, or on the ceilings. You may even notice muffled squeaking.

2.4.2. What you can do to control your rodent infestation problem

Rodents generally infiltrate a property through a crack or gap in the premise. So if you spot any crevices appearing on your property, it is best to seal them off immediately. It also would not hurt to implement adequate rodent pest control measures, including the placement of baiting units and active monitoring of any rodent activity.

However, if an infestation still occurs despite your best efforts, you should hire a pest control company to perform a site risk assessment and recommend suitable solutions to your problem. Before the scheduled inspection, we recommend clearing away any clutter or debris around the area to make it easier for the pest control service to conduct an inspection and administer the treatment.

2.5. What you need to know about termites

Termites are frequently referred to as home destroyers due to their appetite for wood. And guess what is a common material in many households? That’s right! Wood. These pesky creatures can cause irreparable damage to your property and weaken the stability of the structure if they are not dealt with swiftly. 

So you need to hire a reliable termite pest control service in Singapore at the first sign of any termite infestation. But how do you know if your property is overrun by these annoyances? Well, let us outline the tell-tale signs to watch out for. 

2.5.1. Signs of a termite infestation

1. You notice termite droppings and discarded wings on your property

Termites have a caste system consisting of soldiers, workers, and swarmers, and each serves a specific role. Swarmers, also known as alates, are the reproductive members of the colony.

They come into play when the males and females leave their nest to mate and build a new colony, which may be within your property. Once they have found a mate, these alates will shed their wings. Often, you will find the remnants of their discarded wings on floors and windowsills. 

However, this is not the only sign of termite activity within your premise. As termites consume wood, they produce droppings known as “frass”, which they push out of their nest to avoid buildup. These droppings are wood-coloured and pellet-shaped and appear similar to wood dust or shavings. If you spot either of these tell-tale signs on your property, it is time to contact a termite control service.

2. You notice a hollow sound when you tap on a wooden structure

Wood is a common material used in many households. So it is a good idea to inspect the wooden structure on your property regularly for signs of a termite infestation. Since termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin veneer of timber, infested structures will produce a hollow sound when you tap or knock on them. 

3. You observe damage under painted surfaces and wallpaper

Termites create tiny pin holes and tunnels when they feed on the wooden panelling hidden underneath the surfaces of your walls. Sometimes, their action will impact the coat of paint or wallpaper on the surface. If you inspect the surface carefully, you might observe bubbling paint or dented areas on the walls. When this happens, you should call a termite pest control service to have a look at the problem. 

2.5.2. What you can do to control your termite infestation problem

If you suspect you have termites residing within your property, you need to take action quickly. You can consider applying termite-killing products to the exterior surfaces of your home or office. Other DIY alternatives include spraying boric acid on your wooden floors and walls and setting up termite baits. 

However, the one thing you should not do is flush the termites with water, as they thrive in moist conditions. If the infestation still persists, you should contact a termite control service to assist you with the infestation.

PART 3 – HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR IDEAL PEST CONTROL COMPANY

Almost everyone has dealt with a pest problem at least once. While some situations can be resolved with DIY pest control methods, others might require more effective solutions. And the most efficient way to eliminate pests on your property is to contact a commercial pest control service.

However, this does not mean you should be haphazard in your decision-making and simply opt for the cheapest pest control service in Singapore. It is prudent to do some research beforehand to identify the right exterminator who will ensure your pest problem is resolved efficiently and effectively.

But with numerous pest control businesses in Singapore, it is understandably challenging to make an informed decision. So what constitutes a reliable pest control company, and how can you select the ideal one? Well, we are here to help you simplify the process. 

Tip #1: Ask for referrals

If you are unsure of where to begin, you can ask your friends, relatives, or business associates for referrals. If they have encountered similar pest issues previously, they can recommend the pest control service they hired. Hearing first-hand accounts of their experience can provide you with a better understanding of whether the company is suitable for you.

Alternatively, you can check for customer reviews online. Once you have a shortlist of your preferred pest control services, you can conduct a quick search of the companies on popular review sites like Google Reviews. Look at the more recent reviews to get a sample of other customers’ experiences with your shortlisted services.

Tip #2: Check the company’s track record

An inexperienced business may offer the cheapest rate, but you cannot be certain of the efficacy of its services. Therefore, we recommend searching for a pest control company in Singapore that possesses years of experience in the industry. Its track record is a testament to the quality services it provides.

Tip #3: Ensure the company is certified

A pest control company in Singapore has to register with the National Environment Agency (NEA) as a vector control operator to conduct any pest control treatment or activity. Furthermore, its employees are required to undergo training to be licensed as vector control workers.

These regulations ensure that pest control services meet the required standards in their business practices. So before you engage the services of an exterminator, you should ascertain if the company and its workers have the right qualifications for the job.

Tip #4: Inquire about the company’s safety measures

Various pest control chemicals are harmful to human and animal health if they are not applied correctly. An experienced exterminator will take the necessary precautions to safeguard the well-being of your family and pet. As such, it is advisable to enquire about the toxicity of your preferred company’s pest control measures and the steps its employees take to prevent unnecessary exposure to the chemicals.

PART 4 – YOUR COMMON PEST CONTROL QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Beyond what we have shared in our comprehensive pest control guide, we understand that you might still have several questions about pest management. So allow us to clarify your doubts by consolidating the common pest control questions you may have.

Question #1: Why is pest elimination necessary?

Pests are disease carriers and can spread harmful diseases like dengue, Zika, and malaria. Therefore, it is vital to exterminate them immediately to safeguard you and your family from infection. You can also avoid unsightly stains and marks, such as gnaw bites, droppings, and urine stains, from appearing on your property. 

If you operate a business, pest control helps eliminate costly financial impacts from penalties or business closure due to an infestation and safeguards your customers against possible food contamination.

Question #2: What are the common causes of pest infestation?

The common causes of pest infestation in Singapore include:

1. Improper disposal of trash, leaving waste overnight, or not covering the bin with a lid;

2. Poor housekeeping habits, leading to compromised sanitation;

3. A habit of snacking or consuming food in the living room or bedroom;

4. Presence of clutters, cartons, and boxes lying in the storeroom;

5. Leaving food out in the open without proper storage;

6. Wet or moist environments caused by spills and leaks on the floor;

7. Unresolved home structure defects, such as gaps and crevices, which serve as openings for pests to infiltrate a premise;

8. Neglecting mozzie breeding sources such as stagnant water in flower pots or gulley traps.

Question #3: How can I safeguard my property against pests?

You can take the following pest control measures to protect your property from pests:

1. Inspect your property for stagnant water sources and remove them regularly;

2. Always store and dispose of your food correctly;

3. Repair and fix any leaking pipes and seal any gaps in your property;

4. Clean your place frequently;

5. Contact a pest control company when you encounter a pest on your property.

Question #4: What are the common myths about pests and pest control?

As a pest control company with numerous years of experience in the industry, we have encountered several misconceptions about pest control. We will like to share these myths and debunk them so that everyone has a better understanding of what pest control entails.

Myth #1: A clean home is pest-free

A clean home typically does not have any food waste to attract pests. However, this does not mean it is pest-proof. Pests may still come into your home for warmth and shelter. If there are gaps or crevices, a pest can still waltz into your property by happenstance.

Myth #2: Pest control is only for serious cases

Early detection and prevention are crucial to prevent the threats posed by pests, such as damaged walls and food contamination. So you should seek out an exterminator as soon as possible before the situation gets out of control.

Myth #3: Off-the-shelf solutions work just as well

While there are plenty of pest control solutions available on the market, they may not be as effective as the treatments utilised by professional exterminators. Furthermore, if the solution is not applied correctly, it will not be effective in eliminating pests.

Myth #4: Pest control companies utilise a one-size-fits-all approach

Contrary to popular belief, pest control companies do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to pest extermination. A professional exterminator will assess the situation and propose a customised plan to ensure maximum effectiveness.

PART 5 – CONCLUSION

Effective pest management extends beyond a one-time treatment. It is a daily effort, as our activities and lifestyles may attract pests to our property. Therefore, it is vital to supplement quality pest control with frequent home maintenance to prevent pests from infiltrating your premise.

If you notice any signs of a pest infestation at hand, do not wait until the last minute to take action. We recommend contacting a pest control service immediately to assess the situation and nip the problem in the bud.

At Ridpest Pte Ltd, we are one of the leading home and commercial pest control services in Singapore. Our team possesses years of experience dealing with various pest infestations and understands the most efficient way to eliminate the problem for you. Do not hesitate to contact us today if you require our help with a pest problem at your home or business premise.