Located just few miles on the North of the equator, Singapore experiences a tropical climate that stays humid and hot throughout the years. Average temperature range is 88F (31 C). At night the temperature may dip to 23 C while the lowest ever recorded temperature was 19 C. The area receives a considerable amount of rainfall with no distinct dry or wet seasons. The significant amount of rain and wet pools offer suitable breeding ground for mosquitoes and the hot humid temperatures acts as a catalyst in making the mosquitoes active.
Mosquitoes are cold-blooded which means they don't have the ability to regulate their body temperature and it is slightly more or less that of the environment. A warm environment like the one experienced at Singapore plays a vital role when it comes to mosquito's infection. These insects are known to be active at dusk and dawn. At only 10 C they are active but becomes super-active when the scale hits 30 C and above. Recent studies have proved Zika virus, a pathogen carried by mosquitoes tend to amplify in areas experiencing warm and humid climate such as Singapore.
The outbreak of Zika virus in Singapore came as a surprise to many. However, according to experts this is normal because the environment here is just perfect for mosquito breeding and spreading the virus. The rampant spread was mainly contributed by neglected stagnant waters along the streets. Aedes mosquitoes act as carriers of the virus. General symptoms include feeling feverish, sour joints and muscles, headaches, red eyes and can cause birth defects in unborn babies. Though it's rare, Zika is known to trigger paralysis in some victims.
Warm climate make the mosquitoes hungrier, making you a potential recipe. However, exposure to too much sun dehydrates the mosquitoes but it never dries at Singapore hence need to take relevant precautions to avoid the looming predicaments.
Potential Breeding Grounds
Mosquitoes are prevalent and troublesome creatures that can thrive even on a drop of water trapped on a coin. Presence of trapped water can be as a result of poorly disposed or maintained: Receptacles, perimeter drains, roof gutters, toilet bowls, ornamental artifacts such as flower pots, pails and containers.
The bad news is that you can get all the above right but still have infections from adult mosquitoes which may come from the neighboring environs. Adult mosquitoes are known to travel few kilometers in a day. Therefore, formulate a program that will protect you and your loved ones from external and internal mosquitoes.
Hiding Places
Mosquitoes could be breeding right underneath your nose. Areas known to provide hiding grounds for mosquitoes include:
- Neglected air-cooling systems
- Plant trays and pots
- Bathrooms and toilets
- Gutters
Methods of Control
Despite the technological advances that we have seen in the world of medicine, mosquito bites remain a great threat throughout the world, especially in tropical regions. The irritation, allergies, and possibility of being afflicted with a deadly disease like the West Nile and Zika viruses are enough reasons to take the control of mosquitoes seriously.
The rule of thumb still applies when dealing with mosquitoes -- cut the problem from the source. This involves cutting long grass and ensuring all the drainage systems don't harbor stagnant water.
This method may prove expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, if your neighbors are ignorant folks, all the efforts may go to waste because the mosquitoes will be breeding at their compounds and travel to yours. Try the following tips when it comes to indoor mosquito control:
Fix openings.
You obviously don't want mosquitoes and other bugs to go in and out of your house whenever they feel to do so. Have the doors and screens fixed before anything else to create a distinct boundary between you and the mosquitoes.
Replace stagnant water.
Ensure the female mosquito has nowhere to lay her eggs by constantly replacing stagnant water. Dry areas that are likely to collect moisture. Drain the bathroom and toilet well as these filthy creatures are known to hide and breed in these areas.
Natural Solutions
Natural repellents are effective solutions for killing mosquitoes and the irritation they cause on mosquitoes makes your house a no-go-zone. Natural solutions that actually work includes:
- Camphor Oil: This is a natural oil and to use it as a mosquito repellent, just light it with all the doors and windows closed. Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes for effective results.
- Garlic: The strong, pungent smell is enough to send mosquitoes packing.
- Coffee Grounds: This is suitable in areas that have stagnant water that has proved difficult to get rid of. Sprinkling coffee grounds trap the mosquitoes' larvae and eggs on the surface killing them due to deprived levels of oxygen.
- Mosquito Traps: You can get one from mosquito trap Singapore or any online platform.
- Repellent Plants: Placing plants such as tulsi shrubs near the door or windows will naturally prevent mosquitoes from accessing your house.
- Peppermint: Has an irritating compound that mosquitoes cannot keep up with. Be careful when spraying the pepper mint because it can irritate your eyes and skin too.
The bottom line?
Research has shown people tend to overlook the potential health hazards that mosquitoes come with. Each year, 700 million people get infected by mosquito-borne illness and more than one million end up dead. People living in tropical regions such as Singapore should take mosquito control with utter seriousness, the recent outbreak of Zika virus should have served as a perfect warning. If the outbreak of mosquitoes seems to have run out of control, seek assistance from specialists around Singapore who will ensure not even one mosquito is left breathing.
