Singapore’s battle against dengue fever has taken on new urgency. More than 13,600 cases were reported in 2024; that is a stark 36% increase from the previous year. People are facing a persistent threat that demands the attention and expertise of pest professionals.
Even with the world-class urban environment and the Project Wolbachia initiative, dengue control efforts are still important. Furthermore, one thing that adds to our concerns is our population’s low immunity to all four dengue virus serotypes. This is why there is a great need for community efforts and public health measures, aside from the active and crucial role of professional pest control services.
Let’s dive further and explore how pest control can help protect your family and contribute to national efforts in controlling the dengue epidemic.
The Current Dengue Threat
Last year, 2024, saw the highest reported cases since 2022. This is a significant increase from the 9,949 cases in 2023. Currently, there are 15 active dengue clusters across Singapore. Five of these are high-risk areas with 10 or more cases (Alert level is red). These clusters indicate how quickly dengue can spread within communities—especially densely populated areas.
Factors contributing to the current surge of dengue cases
Since September of 2023, dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2) has been predominant, following DENV-1 and DENV-3’s dominance in early 2023. The shift in serotypes is significant because, as mentioned, our immunity remains low against all variants. Meaning, more people are susceptible to infection.
Recent data shows a 15% increase in mosquito breeding habits. Over 5,600 breeding sites were detected from October to December 2024. These numbers are alarming because mosquitoes can quickly proliferate and increase dengue cases. The factor’s about environmental challenges.
Some areas also continue to experience higher mosquito populations due to their dynamics. The threat level is amplified by the fact that dengue transmission can happen fast—mosquitoes are capable of spreading the virus from one household to another within days.
Why is Professional Pest Control Needed?
Did you know that pest control services by professionals offer more than just basic mosquito control measures?
Property Assessment
Pest control operators bring trained eyes to your property. What you could easily overlook is not a thing for us. We conduct inspections as thoroughly as possible and identify potential breeding habitats even in environments like roof gutters, drains and construction sites.
We employ weekly surveillance so that no breeding spots go undetected, whether in residential areas, condos, or commercial buildings.
Advanced Treatment
Professional pest control services use commercial-grade products and proven techniques to protect people from the dangers of these vectors. Their arsenal includes the following:
- Insecticides and larvicides for different types of water-bearing containers
- Sand granular insecticide treatment for gully traps and other permanent water features
- Residual spraying techniques that create long-lasting barriers against mosquitoes
- Fogging operations during outbreaks (when needed)
Prevention Protocols Are Systematic
We follow protocols established by the National Environment Agency.
- Weekly inspection schedules for possible breeding areas
- Fortnightly checks of roof drainage systems and gutters
- Applying preventive treatments regularly
- Documenting and reporting breeding sites
- Coordinating with property management for sustained control measures
Expert Knowledge of Mosquito Behaviour
Pest control operators have immense knowledge of their breeding patterns and behaviours that allows them to predict where they can breed, what areas are of high risk, implement preventative measures during renovation work, and adapt control strategies according to weather/climate conditions.
Professional Methods for Mosquito Control
Pest control services implement systematic measures targeting every possible source of breeding.
For our weekly inspection and treatment protocol, we do the following:
- Check all water-bearing containers and potential breeding sites
- Inspect drains, gutters, and water collection points
- Treating stagnant water with larvicides
- Documenting findings and the applied treatments
- Removing the detected mosquito breeding
There are also specialised treatment applications done, aside from the ones discussed above. Examples of these are:
- Applying BTI in permanent water features
- Targeted treatment of dense vegetation areas where mosquitoes harbour
The BLOCK Strategy Enhanced
The B-L-O-C-K strategy is used to stop dengue.
B stands for break up hardened soil. L stands for lift and empty flowerpot plates. O stands for overturn pails and wipe their rims. C stands for change water in vases. And K stands for keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide.
The strategy itself provides essential guidelines for mosquito control. However, professional pest control services enhance these basic steps with advanced implementation methods.
Break up the Hardened Soil
We have specialised tools to use to aerate the soil. It doesn’t end there. This is the part where we apply larvicides to any collected water and install drainage solutions, only if necessary.
We avoid soil compaction through regular maintenance and create slopes to direct water away from structures and drainage areas. The latter is called professional grading.
Lift and Empty Flowerpot Plates
Pest professionals take this step to the next level, too. We install automated drainage systems for large plantings and apply anti-mosquito granules in permanent plant containers.
We also treat soil in potted plants and recommend ways for mosquito-resistant landscaping.
Overturn Pails and Wipe their Rims
Here we install covered storage solutions for water containers and treat water storage areas with larvicides. Aside from these, we maintain water storage facilities and seal rims and edges of containers.
Change Water in Vases
For this part, we can install self-cleaning water features, treat decorative water features, and maintain water circulation systems. We can also implement automatic water replacement systems if possible.
Keep Roof Gutters Clear and Place BTI Insecticide
We clean roof gutters and downspouts and install gutter guards so that no debris collects. Then we apply BTI formulations and maintain drainage systems. Our last task here is to inspect the roof and gutter to maintain its integrity.
How BLOCK Strategy Can Be Integrated with Project Wolbachia
With the continuing commitment of pest professionals coupled with the national project called Project Wolbachia, the effectiveness of mosquito control in dengue clusters in Singapore is significantly improved.
Complementary Control Measures
- Timing the treatment to complement Wolbachia mosquito releases
- Focus on non-Aedes mosquito species that are not affected by Project Wolbachia
- Heightened monitoring of areas where Wolbachia releases are taking place
- Adjusting control methods to preserve Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes but at the same time eliminate other breeding sources
Data Sharing and Monitoring
- Reporting breeding sites to support the assessment of the Project’s effectiveness
- Tracking the changes in the mosquito population in treatment areas
- Documenting dengue cases and dengue cluster formation patterns
Community Education
- Informing residents about the complementary nature of professional pest control and Project Wolbachia
- Providing guidance on supporting both of these initiatives
- Helping residents understand their role in integrated mosquito control
Special Considerations for Different Properties
Every property faces different challenges for mosquito control.
Residential Spaces
The focus of professionals will be on indoor and outdoor environments. Examples are garden areas, roof gutters, AC ledges, and underground storage areas. We will work closely with you to brainstorm the possible breeding sources that are less obvious, perhaps rarely used toilets or bathroom drains.
Condos and High-Rise Buildings
Pest control services concentrate on common areas and individual units. We check the possible breeding areas like basement car parks, rooftop gardens, swimming pools, water features, and landscaped areas.
Our inspection is comprised of checking scupper drains in common corridors, gully traps, and bin centres. We work closely with the management committee to ensure that water storage tanks are properly maintained.
Construction Sites
These areas are specifically crucial. Operators like Avalon Services adapt our protocols as the work progresses. Our focus is more on prevention, such as preventing water from accumulating in construction materials, equipment, and temporary structures.
We also check earth drains and ground depressions where water might collect.
Schools and Educational Institutions
Pest control is imperative here because of the presence of children. We coordinate our treatments with school schedules and put our focus on playgrounds, sports facilities, and garden areas because these are where children frequently gather.
It’s during school holidays that additional measures are implemented.
Commercial Properties
Our focus here is on exterior and interior spaces.
- Landscaping features
- Parking structures
- Mechanical equipment areas
- Cooling towers
- Decorative fountains
- Planter boxes
We work with facility managers side by side to develop prevention strategies that always work.
Conclusion
Let’s not wait for a dengue cluster to form in your neighbourhood. When you see signs of rising dengue cases in your area or even just the presence of mosquitoes in your home that you don’t have the confidence to eliminate, call in the professionals.
A professional inspection is already a big thing to ease your worries and help bigger efforts to combat the dengue epidemic. Talk to us for a discussion or assessment.
