Mosquitoes bring about deadly diseases such as Dengue and Zika. With the recent rise in dengue cases, it is important to accelerate efforts to control mosquito populations in Singapore. Did you know that besides the commonly-known mosquito fogging, there are also other mosquito control solutions that have proven to be effective? While these treatments may be applied independently, a combination of these solutions may offer a more ideal control against mosquitoes.
In this article, we introduce 4 mosquito control solutions that work!
Mosquito Fogging
Mosquito fogging is one of the most popular mosquito control methods. The primary objective is to control mosquito populations by dispersing targeted solutions into the air as a fine fog. Besides mosquitoes, the fogging solution is also regularly used against other common pests such as cockroaches and flies. The treatment is conducted by a trained pest control specialist who walks through the target area while releasing the fog using a thermal fogger. It distributes the insecticide evenly and effectively covers spots including:
Vegetation
Structures
Surfaces where mosquitoes may be resting or breeding
Hard-to-reach areas including the drains
The fog generated travels upwards, reaching adult mosquitoes that are resting on higher spots. When the fog comes into contact with mosquitoes, it disrupts their nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventual death.
Generally, mosquito fogging is considered an effective method for controlling adult mosquito populations in outdoor environments. However, mosquito fogging solution may also have limited residual effects, providing ongoing control of mosquitoes for a short period after application. When conducted properly and in accordance with regulations and safety guidelines, it helps reduce the mosquito populations and the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Oil-based vs water-based mosquito fogging
While oil-based mosquito fogging can be an effective tool for mosquito control in certain situations, it can bring about potential risks that can be harmful to human health and the environment. The treatment involves the use of an oil-based solvent, typically diesel, to disperse the fog into the air. This potentially results in contaminating soil, water or causing harm to vegetation and aquatic organisms during the adult mosquito control process. Furthermore, oil-based solution leaves behind a sticky residue on surfaces such as outdoor furniture and vehicles.
Hence, at Bingo Pest, we only utilise the more eco-friendly water-based mosquito fogging treatment. Even though it produces less smoke due to the use of a non-flammable and non-combustible carrier solution, it offers the same efficacy as the oil-based mosquito fogging. Water-based mosquito fogging does not produce carbon emission, hence, reducing air pollution. Not only is it safer, the solution is also almost odourless and does not cause staining or oily residue.
Water-based Misting
This mosquito control method creates a fine mist using water as the primary carrier fluid. It works by dispersing a fine mist of solution, targeting adult mosquitoes and reducing their populations in outdoor areas.
Water-based misting leaves behind a residual effect that can last 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the solution used and environmental factors. These residue lands on surfaces such as plants, furniture and structures to provide continuous control against mosquitoes even after the treatment. Similarly to mosquito fogging, the misting treatment eliminates adult mosquitoes that are present during the time of treatment. It offers an additional advantage by also eradicating mosquitoes that pick up the active ingredients as they land on surfaces.
Generally, water-based misting is odourless and colourless. Not only can this method be utilised outdoors, misting is also a popular and safe pest control method used indoors. Besides mosquitoes, it also works in eliminating other pests including flies, ants and cockroaches.
On top of the numerous benefits that water-based misting brings, it is considered a sustainable and environmentally-friendly alternative for adult mosquito control.
Larviciding
Larviciding is an essential mosquito control method that involves treating water sources with larvicides to eliminate mosquito larvae before they mature into adult mosquitoes. This targeted approach focuses on reducing mosquito populations at the larval stage.
The first step in larviciding is identifying potential mosquito breeding sites. This includes locating stagnant water collected in drains, canvases, tires, buckets, and flower pots. A certified pest specialist will then carry out the larvicide treatment on these spots to eliminate mosquito larvae and pupae. There are different types of larvicide available in Singapore. They include:
Residual spraying using chemical
Granular larvicide
Mosquito dunk
The choice of larvicide may vary depending on factors including environmental circumstances and client’s requirements. These larvicides work similarly by releasing active ingredients to interfere with the development of mosquito larvae and pupae, which eventually results in death.
Larviciding is an integral and fundamental component in an integrated mosquito control programme. Therefore, it is recommended to include larviciding as part of your efforts to curb the mosquito population.
In2Care Outdoor Mosquito Trap
Making use of the mosquitoes’ natural behaviour and habitat, the In2Care outdoor mosquito trap targets mosquitoes at all the various stages of their lifecycle. It is a versatile mosquito control solution that offers protection against adult mosquitoes as well as limiting their breeding grounds.
As mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, the trap containing water and an odour lure offers an ideal environment for female mosquitoes to reproduce. Inside the trap, mosquitoes get in contact with a larvicide-treated gauze near the water surface, hence contaminating their body. They transport the larvicide and contaminate other breeding sites around the trap as they leave the station. This eliminates the mosquito larvae in the surroundings before they become biting adult mosquitoes. Furthermore, the active ingredients found in the larvicide also eliminates the larvae in the trap, offering an ideal control in the mosquito population. Lastly, the infected female mosquitoes die several days after the infection, therefore, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
On top of its unique mode of action, the In2Care mosquito trap provides an affordable, eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to mosquito control. The trap is made of 100% recyclable plastic and does not require electricity to work. It is an odourless solution that further helps to protect the ecosystem with its limited efficacy against plants and non-target species such as bees and butterflies. In addition, the In2Care outdoor mosquito trap is approved for use by the relevant authorities in Singapore. Therefore, it can be safely applied at numerous environments including residential and commercial properties.
Customise Your Mosquito Control Solutions Today
As one of the best pest control companies in Singapore, our pest control specialists possess the ability to customise an integrated mosquito control plan according to your needs, budget and requirements. You can also expect expert advice and housekeeping tips from our experienced team to help elevate your efforts in mosquito control. Speak to us today to establish a programme that protects those who matter against the harmful diseases mosquitoes bring. Call us at 6517 9989 or send us a WhatsApp message to 8810 3189.
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