Family: Culicidae
See here for more information on how to prevent mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are undoubtedly the deadliest pest in Singapore, specifically, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. In 2019, a sharp increase in their population due to warmer temperatures lead to the number of dengue cases surging to 5 times that of last year, including 5 deaths.
An Aedes mosquito takes only 8 to 10 days to become an adult. When the temperatures are higher, this process is sped up, which also means that the dengue virus that they carry also have shorter incubation period. This is why it is definitely more effective to carry out preventive measures rather than reactive ones like mosquito repellents and setting up a mosquito net.
Furthermore, with 60% of the mosquito breeding sources found in residential homes, it is of utmost importance to be aware and actively take measures to prevent and get rid of mosquitoes at every possible stage of their life cycle.
The recent introduction of the Zika virus within the region gives more cause for worry when it comes to mosquitoes in Singapore. With no known cure at the moment this virus causes fever, joint pains and rashes. For pregnant women, these lead to congenital anomalies in their unborn babies.
IKARI was also recently interviewed about the rise of mosquito pest control issues from customers due to the weather and rise of breeding habitats. In the clip, our staff can also be seen using a new product in2care, that uses a mosquitoes biology against it. The trap contaminates the mosquito with a slow-killing biological fungus and a larvicide. The fungus infection kills the mosquito over a few days and can block Dengue virus replication. In the meantime, the infected mosquito will also spread larvicide to potentially hard to reach breeding sites around the trap. Aedes mosquitoes are skip-ovipositors (laying their eggs in multiple sites) and will carry the larvicide on their legs and kill larvae in each water body they visit.
IKARI Treatment
Our IKARI experts first locate the areas where larva, the immature mosquitoes, are harboring by inspecting the property for areas where water is conducive to the mosquito life cycle. This includes places like birdbaths, flowerpots, water gardens, rain barrels, pool covers, puddles, pet drinking bowls, etc.
Eliminating mosquito eggs from the property first largely reduces the mosquito population. IKARI experts use fogging, the latest and proven technique as to how to get rid of mosquitoes. It is done at dusk when mosquitoes in Singapore are most active and looking for food.
The fog targets flying mosquitoes that may be carrying dengue and other deadly viruses. The best part is that fogging is very safe for human beings as the quantity of the insecticide is very small that can only kill something as small as a mosquito.
- Hiding Spots
- Food Sources
- Prevention Tips
- Turn over water containers and keep them dry when not in use
- Change the water in pots/vases every few days
- Loosen hardened soil in potted plants every other day
- Look out for and remove water in drying rack, pot plates, clogged drains and gutters regularly
- Clear clutter in external areas
Dark and humid areas
Females feed on blood, males feed on plant nectar
