Our homes are our sanctuaries, and unfortunately, they can also become sanctuaries to an array of pests. Residences in Singapore are particularly vulnerable to mosquitoes, rodents, bed bugs, flies, termites, and cockroaches. Other than causing odours and unsightly atmospheres, many pests also carry dangerous diseases. Finding the best pest control in Singapore will help you mitigate the risk of pest-borne diseases by fully controlling infestations. The following guide will help homeowners and renters learn more about keeping living areas free of pests:
Understand the Diseases Carried by Pests
Not all pests found in Singapore carry diseases, but those that do are commonly referred to as “vectors.” Vectors, like some rodents, carry diseases from one person to another. The National Environmental Agency of Singapore (NEA) identifies the following pests as the main vectors in the country:
- Mosquitoes
- Rats
- Cockroaches
- Flies
- Rat fleas
Mosquitoes are one of the most well-known vectors in Singapore, responsible for a number of life-threatening diseases, including dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, and the Zika virus. Rats are primarily responsible for carrying bacterial infections, including Leptospirosis and Rat Bite Fever. The rat flea is not a rodent but rather a parasite found on certain types of rodents. This flea is the primary vector for the plague. Yes, it is the same plague that wiped out one-third of the European population during the Middle Ages. While there have been no contemporary reports of plague infections in Singapore, the disease is known to circulate among certain populations of flea-infested rats. Therefore, controlling rats is considered important for keeping such dangerous infections at bay.
Cockroaches and flies can be quite vexing when found in homes. However, these pests can also carry illnesses that range from mild to possibly fatal. Cockroaches and flies are common vectors of food-borne diseases. Moreover, they can also contribute to the spread of highly dangerous infections like cholera.
In addition to spreading pathogens that lead to illness, pests can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals or trigger asthma attacks. Children and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to such reactions. Therefore, it is very important to address pest infestations in a timely manner. If you think your home has become a haven to roaches or rodents, do not delay looking up “pest control near me” to promptly find a professional culling service.
Identify the Early Signs of Pest Infestations
Pest-borne diseases can cause wide-ranging symptoms in people that can easily be mistaken for other medical conditions. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of early signs of a pest infestation to prevent the spread of disease as well as to accurately determine if pests are the reason for a medical problem. Here are some of the most common signs of pest infestations that will help you pinpoint a problem early:
- Droppings: The sudden appearance of droppings or urine is a clear sign of the presence of some pests, such as rats, bed bugs, and cockroaches.
- Unusual Odours: Pungent or musty smells, often emanating from hidden spaces, can indicate the presence of pests.
- Damaged Items: If you notice signs of gnawing or chewing on items, like furniture or plastic wrapping, it may indicate pest activity. The chances are even higher if the damage occurs in secluded or hard-to-access areas.
- Scratching Sounds: Have you been hearing mysterious noises, like scratching or scurrying, from areas like walls and ceilings? It may indicate you have a rodent or a cockroach problem. Other audible noises, such as buzzing sounds, can indicate mosquitoes and flies.
- Visible Trails: Pests sometimes leave visible trails along walls or floors, indicating their movement. These may appear as rub marks.
- Bite Marks: Damage to food wrappings, fabrics, paper, or even wires can indicate the presence of certain pests, especially rats.
- Holes in Walls or Furniture: Pests like termites and bed bugs often cause small openings or gaps in walls, doors, or furniture, indicating nesting.
Most homeowners in Singapore identify pest infestations by visual cues. For example, if you see a rat running across the kitchen, you will know there is a rodent problem in the house. While big visual cues are important, paying attention to the above signs will enable you to take action quickly, potentially preventing a small pest issue from becoming a bigger health problem. If you are still not sure what to look for, consider calling in a pest control company in Singapore for a thorough and professional inspection.
Prevention is Key: Call the Best Pest Control in Singapore for Inspections
Pests, once they settle in a house, are often difficult to fully eliminate. Prevention serves as a proactive measure to identify and address potential pest issues before they escalate into full-blown infestations. Not only does prevention help you protect the health and well-being of everyone in the household, but it can also safeguard the structure of your house or furniture. (This is especially true if you are facing a termite problem).
The most economical approach to preventing a pest infestation is regular inspection. While you can look for early signs of infestation as mentioned above, it is also recommended to seek professional pest control services for a more thorough inspection. Here are some of the things a professional pest controller, like Empire, can do to protect your home from pests:
- Comprehensive Inspections: Pest control professionals will conduct thorough inspections to accurately identify existing pest issues, potential entry points, and conditions that can lead to nesting.
- Customised Treatment Plans: If you are facing a severe pest problem, the professionals can develop tailored treatment plans to address the vulnerabilities in your residence.
- Sealing Entry Points: Pest control experts can identify and seal entry points, such as cracks and gaps in walls or furniture, to prevent pests from nesting.
- Application of Pest Control Products: The professionals will treat infested areas with effective products that target specific pests while reducing their impact on the environment.
- Regular Monitoring: Professional controllers can implement monitoring systems to track pest activity and ensure the effectiveness of preventive measures.
- Moisture Control: They will advise you on how to deal with water accumulation, as excess moisture can attract pests like cockroaches. Additionally, stagnant water sources can become major breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes. Professionals can help you get rid of water puddles in your garden or advise you on how to do so.
- Follow-Up Services: Arranging ongoing support, including follow-up visits, is crucial for preventing recurrences of infestations.
Create Healthy, Pest-Free Living Spaces with Empire’s Advanced Pest Control Services
If you are facing a serious pest infestation, then at-home DIY methods will only do little to help. Empire Cleaning & Pest Control offers a vast range of prevention and control methods that target all the problem pests in Singapore. Empire uses advanced techniques to cull infestations with minimal risk of recurrence. Our methods are safe and effective, and help protect the surrounding environment. For example, our solar-powered Ultron device can help eliminate mosquito eggs before they develop into larvae. You can also benefit from IT-driven solutions to identify infestations, such as rat monitoring devices that can trace rodent movements. Learn more about Empire’s efficient pest control methods by calling +(65) 6746-6112 or 9023-0974.
