The recent Zika outbreak has gotten Singaporeans panicky and paranoid, and reasonably so — the numbers are up, and more places are being identified as Zika clusters. Whether or not your estate or neighbourhood has been named as one with Zika (or dengue) breeding grounds, it is important to take precautionary measures.
(What you need to know about the Zika virus)
Rentokil, a pest control service in Singapore, has provided a checklist of places to clean and keep dry, as well as apply mosquito-prevention methods:
Other sources of stagnant water you need to look out for include:
- Discarded receptacles, such as food containers, paper cups and plastic bags inside and outside of your home (this is also why you shouldn’t litter!)
- Closed perimeter drains
- Gully traps
- Roof gutters
- Toilet bowls
- Potted plants and trays and ornamental containers/vases
- Containers and pails
- Puddles of water as small as 20 cent coin
Useful articles you need to read:
About the Zika-carrying Aedes mosquito: When and why they attack, and prevention methods
Useful products: This LED-based mosquito trap targets zika-carrying mozzies and Important features of a mozzie repellent
Mosquito-proofing your home: 3 ways to mosquito-proof your home and 7 plants that repel mosquitoes
DIY repellents: Mozzie repellents you can make, that are safe for your kids
Rentokil also offers comprehensive mosquito solutions, including fogging, larviciding (which halts the development of mosquitoes’ larvae), and using Mosquitaire units. Mosquitaire units capture large amounts of flying pests in a large area — such as those found in a home garden — by attracting and trapping mosquitoes with its patented human-mimicking odour and visual cues.
It forms a barrier between the source of mosquitoes and human, and hence increasing a greater chance in trapping the mosquitoes before they are able to reach the humans. These trapped mosquitoes within the catch bag will then die from dehydration.