Eliminate Mosquitoes: 3 Essential Ways

Mosquitoes may be small but they can be quite hazardous if not managed properly. They are responsible for an increasing number of fatalities in Singapore due to mosquito-related diseases like dengue fever and Zika.

We all can benefit from some reminders on the importance of preventing and controlling mosquitoes.

Interesting Mozzie Pest Myths

Are you one of those who always wonder if these are true?

Mosquito Control and Prevention

Mosquito control is a global health practice to manage the mosquito population to reduce their damage to human health, environment, and safety. It is particularly true in tropical countries like Singapore that are at more risk of mosquito-spread and where the pest is an ongoing problem due to several reasons:

The warm and humid climate in Singapore is most amenable to mosquito growth and survival, explaining their presence all year-round.
An adult female mosquito can lay about 100-400 eggs at a time, which takes 2-3 days to hatch, making them difficult to completely eradicate.
Most female mosquitoes may live as long as three week, bite during the day and night, live both indoors and outdoors, and search for shaded and wet areas to breed.

Who is at Risk of Mosquito Bites?

Everyone is at risk of mosquito bites. However, some factors may attract mosquitoes more than others do. These may include the following:

Frequent Travelers
Outdoor-Driven
Plant Lovers
Children
Elderly
Pregnant Women
Residents in Dengue Clusters area

Further research has yet to confirm what mosquitoes consider an ideal target. What is certain, however, is that they are attracted to the carbon dioxide humans give off as well as to the heat caused by movement.

3 Steps to Getting Rid of Mosquitoes

Inspect

The first step to getting rid of mosquitoes is to inspect where the pests are hiding. Here, you’ll want to protect yourself against mosquito bites by dressing up from head to toe—long sleeves, pants, gloves, and shoes—to keep as much skin from showing. For skin areas that you are unable to hide, use an insect repellent instead.

Do not forget to check these potential spots where mosquitoes could be living, resting, breeding, and hiding in:

Trees, shrubs, and tall grasses
Ponds and puddles
Planters and pots
Old tires
Gutters
Pet bowls; and
Any other items that can hold water

Prevent

While there is no way you can eliminate mosquitoes completely, you can make your property less attractive to mosquitoes, thus reducing the risk that they’ll linger longer around your home.

Below are some preventive steps you can take to control the mosquito population in your home:

Check for any freestanding water regularly
Ensure sufficient drainage in your lawn
Keep your gutters free of debris so they drain properly
Toss any junk that could be collecting water in your lawn (e.g. old cans, tyres, bottle, etc.)
If you are collecting rainwater, make sure to keep the storage covered when not in use
Treat swimming pools and ponds to keep them from becoming a mosquito breeding ground

Treat

There are several methods for eliminating mosquitoes and controlling their population, some of which include natural approaches that are worth experimenting:

DIY Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Coffee Ground

When poured in an infested, stagnant water, coffee grounds are said to bring mosquito eggs up to the water surface, where they will eventually die due to the deprivation of oxygen.

Dry Ice

Place dry ice inside a container and wait for its carbon dioxide emissions to attract mosquitoes. Once they get into the container, close it and wait for the trapped insects to die inside it. Note: they may be dangerous and should not consider this remedy!

Essential Oils

Citronella, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oils are merely some of the many essential oils that is believe in helping mosquitoes repel. Applications include spraying on body, into the room or used as a diffuser.

Aside from these, some people also claim that lemongrass is an effective mosquito repellent. But, of course, as with anything, some mosquito repelling methods are more effective than others.

Is lemongrass an effective mozzie repellent

Dengue Clusters in Singapore

In early August, Singapore was alarmed with the spate of dengue clusters in the city. The National Environment Agency (NEA) have declared 44 red alert dengue clusters, after recording nearly 300 dengue cases in the last two weeks of the month. The major dengue clusters are located in the Central, Northwest, and East of Singapore, affecting major estates like Choa Chu Kang, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Marine Parade, Bedok, and Tampines.

As of this writing, most dengue clusters are dismissed as a hotspot. Nevertheless, taking these simple steps can help you protect yourself and your loved ones against dengue.

Mosquito Control by Rentokil

With the rise of dengue cases in Singapore, it is more important to adopt a fully integrated mosquito program that will safeguard your family from potential risks caused by mosquito infestation.

Here at Rentokil, we offer mosquito control solutions that will guarantee the removal of your mosquito problem. We also give you the protection to help keep your home or business mosquito-free for a long time.

How are you working to prevent and control mosquitoes in your area? Let us know by getting in touch with us today at (65) 6347 8138.

3 Ways to Get Rid of Mosquitoes and Why It’s Important