Dengue cases continue to rise in Singapore, putting many families at risk. The warm, humid weather makes it easy for mosquitoes to breed, especially the Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue. To keep your home and loved ones safe, it’s important to take practical steps every day.
From clearing stagnant water to using mosquito fogging services during outbreaks, this guide will walk you through what works and what doesn’t. With the right habits and support, you can lower the risk of dengue and create a safer space for your family.
Why Dengue Is a Threat in Singapore
Singapore has seen a rise in dengue cases over the years. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, is active during the day. It breeds in clean, still water found in homes, parks and even office buildings. Once infected, symptoms can range from high fever to joint pain and rash. In some cases, dengue can become severe and life-threatening.
Know Your Enemy – The Aedes Mosquito
Before we talk about prevention, it helps to know more about the Aedes mosquito. It is small, black and has white markings on its legs. It bites mostly in the early morning and late afternoon. Unlike other mosquitoes, it lays eggs in clean water, not dirty or stagnant drains.
Aedes mosquitoes don’t travel far. If someone near you has dengue, it means the mosquitoes are likely close by. This makes home-based prevention even more important.
Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference
Remove Standing Water
The first rule of mosquito control is to remove standing water. Here’s where to look:
- Flowerpot trays
- Pet water bowls
- Roof gutters
- Plant vases
- Pails or buckets left outside
Check these areas at least once a week. Change the water in vases and bowls every two days. Make sure drains are not clogged. Even a small capful of water can become a breeding spot.
Keep Your House Clean and Dry
Mosquitoes prefer dark and damp corners. Open your windows during the day to let sunlight in. Clean behind furniture and under the sink. Use mosquito screens where possible. Fix any broken window nets or door gaps.
Use Safe and Effective Mosquito Repellents
Choose repellents with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Apply them to exposed skin and clothing. For young children, use only those approved for their age group.
You can also place mosquito patches on clothes or bags when out and about. At home, electric diffusers and coil mats can help but should be used safely and away from children.
The Role of Mosquito Fogging in Singapore
For areas with higher mosquito activity, mosquito fogging in Singapore is often used. It helps kill adult mosquitoes quickly. While fogging isn’t a long-term fix, it’s useful during outbreaks or when someone nearby has dengue.
Families should ensure their estate or management team works with licensed experts. The fogging should be done in the right way, using safe chemicals and proper timing.
When to Call in the Experts
Sometimes, household efforts may not be enough. If you see many mosquitoes indoors or around your home, it’s time to get help. Mosquito control services in Singapore offer a full inspection and customised treatment.
These services can:
- Check for hidden breeding spots
- Do targeted spraying or larviciding
- Offer advice on preventing future infestations
Some even provide maintenance plans for ongoing protection. This is ideal for homes near construction sites or water bodies.
Make Sure Fogging Is NEA Approved
When hiring help, always check that the service uses NEA approved fogging in Singapore methods. The National Environment Agency (NEA) sets strict rules on how fogging is done. This ensures the safety of people, pets and the environment.
Fogging teams must wear protective gear and use only approved insecticides. They also need to follow proper safety measures, such as giving notice before fogging starts.
Community Action Matters
Dengue prevention is not just a personal effort. It takes a whole neighbourhood. Join your local mosquito patrol or town council clean-up. Share tips with neighbours. Report places with stagnant water to your town council or NEA.
When more people take part, the impact is bigger. A single mosquito can’t travel far, but when every home plays its part, dengue can be stopped.
Protecting Children and the Elderly
Young kids and older adults are more at risk of severe dengue. Their immune systems may not fight the virus as well. Take extra care:
- Dress children in long sleeves and trousers
- Use bed nets during nap time
- Avoid outdoor play during peak biting times
At schools and care homes, staff should be trained to spot mosquito risks and follow prevention steps.
Smart Tools for Prevention
Technology has helped in the fight against dengue. There are apps to check dengue clusters and report breeding sites. You can also buy home traps that attract and kill mosquitoes.
Some traps use UV light or carbon dioxide to lure mosquitoes. Others use water and glue traps. These tools are not perfect, but they help reduce the mosquito count when used with other methods.
Gardening Without Inviting Mosquitoes
Many families in Singapore enjoy gardening. But potted plants can become mosquito havens. Use these tips:
- Add anti-mosquito pellets to plant trays
- Grow plants like citronella, lemongrass or mint
- Avoid overwatering
- Cover water storage tanks
Mosquito-proofing your garden doesn’t mean giving it up. It just means being smart about how you care for it.
Travelling? Stay Protected
If you’re travelling to or from dengue zones, take extra care. Mosquitoes can hitch a ride in bags or clothing. When staying in hotels, ask about mosquito nets and air conditioning.
Spray your clothes and luggage with insect repellent before returning home. If you feel unwell after your trip, see a doctor and mention your travel history.
Wrap-Up: Small Steps Save Lives
Dengue is serious, but it can be prevented. From using mosquito fogging services to simple habits like checking flowerpots, each step helps. Keep your home clean, dry and well-ventilated. Talk to your neighbours. Work with the experts. And stay informed.
For trusted support, ProServ Pest Control offers expert mosquito control solutions tailored to your home. With NEA-approved methods and professional care, they help families stay safe and bite-free all year round.
Together, we can protect our families and make Singapore safer for everyone.
