+65 6970 0205
Follow us
Pests, the unwelcome guests in our homes, can be a real nuisance. That’s why it’s crucial to keep them out from the start. The key is early detection-spotting the signs and understanding the risks of an infestation before it becomes a major problem.
In this article, we’ll explain how to detect and eliminate pest infestations and discuss where to get pest control services in Singapore.
Termites are social insects that look like ants and feed on wood, including the wooden aspects of your home, such as flooring and kitchen cabinets, from the roots to the building itself. Subterranean termites, the most common species found in Singapore, can cause significant damage to buildings and houses. They typically inhabit the damp foundations of homes, posing a threat to both the structure and the furniture within.
Keep an eye out for discarded wings, particularly near windows and doors. These translucent wings, shed during termite swarming season, serve as a warning sign of a potential infestation. Another red flag is the presence of mud tubes along foundation walls or interior surfaces. These structures, built by termites to travel between their nest and food source, indicate an active colony.
By recognising these signs, you can take proactive steps to prevent a minor termite presence from evolving into a major and expensive repair issue.
Singapore has high humidity, so reducing the humidity in your home can help keep subterranean termites away. To control the level of moisture, you should check for any water leaks in the pipes, ensure proper ventilation in humid areas like the bathroom and kitchen, promptly dry wet areas, and clean and dry any carpets if you spill liquid on them.
While they may appear harmless at first glance, bed bugs pose a significant challenge for homeowners. These reddish-brown insects, with flattened oval bodies, swell and turn a darker red after feeding on blood. Unlike some other pests, bed bugs don’t transmit diseases, but their presence can be highly disruptive.
Bed bugs are nocturnal feeders. During daylight hours, they become masters of disguise, hiding in minuscule crevices near their food source. This includes seams in mattresses, cracks and gaps in furniture, and even within wall voids. As darkness falls, they emerge to feed on human blood, leaving itchy welts as a telltale sign of their activity. Early detection of these bites is crucial to prevent a full-blown infestation.
Bed bugs can easily travel from one location to another by hitching a ride on clothing, furniture, or luggage. Their flat bodies allow them to squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices, following utility lines to infest new areas within a building.
Preventing a bed bug infestation requires vigilance on multiple fronts. First, exercise caution with used furniture and mattresses, especially when considering second-hand items. Before bringing anything home, a thorough inspection for signs of bed bugs is crucial.
If you’re back from a trip, inspect your luggage and clothes for bed bugs. Consider tossing these items directly into the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes to eliminate any hidden insects. Within your home, focus on creating an environment that discourages bed bugs. Seal up cracks and crevices in walls, furniture, and around baseboards to remove potential hiding spots.
Decluttering your space further reduces their hiding places. DIY methods with aerosols and foggers are ineffective and may even worsen the problem by scattering the bugs. Instead, consult with a professional for pest control services in Singapore.
Easily identifiable by their flattened, oval bodies and long, twirling antennae, cockroaches are unwelcome visitors around the world. These dark brown or black insects are notorious for their ability to adapt and survive in nearly any environment.
Cockroaches are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, areas that cater to their love of food and water. Their droppings, which resemble coffee grounds, can also identify them. Despite their preference for cool, dark, and damp places like sewers, drains, and crawl spaces, cockroaches can occasionally venture into your home.
Combating cockroaches requires a multi-pronged approach. Since they thrive in moisture, keeping your home dry is key. This means promptly fixing any leaky pipes, which could be the hidden source of your infestation. Additionally, focus on eliminating potential access points by sealing gaps between walls and floors.
These tiny, long-legged flies (mosquitoes) are notorious for their itchy bites. Females need blood meals and lay eggs in stagnant water, where wigglers hatch and await their chance to become a biting nuisance.
While mosquitoes primarily target you outdoors, their relentless pursuit of a blood meal can sometimes lead them indoors. They’re drawn to the carbon dioxide we exhale, our body heat, and moisture. This can lead them to sneak into our homes through open doors and windows or exploit tiny gaps in screens, turning our havens into potential feeding grounds.
The first line of defence is to disrupt their breeding cycle. Eliminate potential mosquito nurseries by targeting any sources of standing water around your property. This includes routinely checking and cleaning clogged gutters and any unused containers. Once these breeding grounds are eliminated, focus on creating a mosquito-proof fortress for your home.
Carefully inspect and seal any gaps around doors and windows, acting as entry points for these persistent pests. By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population around your home, allowing you to reclaim your outdoor space and enjoy a peaceful, itch-free environment.
Rats are the larger of the two, with pointed snouts and long, scaly tails. Mice, on the other hand, are smaller, with rounder faces and long, thin tails. These pests have a destructive appetite, chewing through wires and potentially causing electrical fires.
Be on the lookout for droppings, typically small, dark pellets. Next, turn your attention to any suspicious marks on wooden furniture, baseboards, or electrical wires. Rodents have a relentless urge to gnaw, and these telltale marks can reveal their presence. In areas where food is stored, keep an eye out for chewed packaging on boxes, bags, or containers.
Finally, a rodent’s nest can be a dead giveaway. Look for hidden piles of shredded paper, fabric, or other materials tucked away in dark corners, cabinets, or crawl spaces.
Look for tiny holes or cracks around pipes, behind appliances, or near the foundation (common entry points for these nimble creatures). Once identified, seal these gaps with steel wool which is a material they can’t chew through. If you discover evidence of an existing infestation, humane live traps are what you need.
When it comes to calling a professional, there are a few factors that you should consider, such as the type of pest you’re dealing with, the number of pests, and your ability to manage them by yourself. If things get out of hand and start to affect your safety and health, it’s time to get a professional to step in.
If you’re looking for a professional pest control company in Singapore, Greencare could be your solution. At Greencare, we offer a personalised experience for your pest control needs, as we understand that each pest situation is different.
We use advanced tools that prioritise your health and safety to get rid of pests on your property. We provide our services at an affordable price. We develop our treatment plans to suit every budget, ensuring your home is free from pests without a high fee.
If you have creepy crawlies running around your home, get in touch with us, and we’ll get rid of them for you. Book an appointment with us today.
The rainy season can feel refreshing after hot days, but it also brings unwelcome visitors—mosquitoes. With their increased presence, especially during wetter months, mosquito control in Singapore becomes crucial to keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe from diseases like dengue. In this guide, we’ll explore mosquito control tips tailored to Singapore’s climate, helping make your […]
Your home should be a comfortable place to unwind and rest after a long day, not a space where you feel uneasy at the sight of booklice on your walls, which can be common in Singapore’s humid weather. These tiny pests can be an unwelcome sight, causing discomfort for you, your family, and any guests. […]
Your bed is designed to be a haven where you can unwind and enjoy a restful night’s sleep. However, the last thing you want is to have unwanted guests in your bed with you. Bed bugs are known pests that can ruin a good night’s sleep and make your quality of life bad. If you […]
