Dengue fever is still a serious public health threat in Singapore, with 13,655 reported cases in 2024 alone. Many factors influence the population of the dengue-carrying mosquitoes, but a recent study from NEA has pinpointed one that facility managers can control.
Let’s take a closer look at the study to uncover insights that you can use to prevent a dengue outbreak.
Old Buildings Provide Dengue Mosquitoes Room to Thrive
Published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, the NEA study analysed mosquito populations in public apartment blocks using the Gravitrap surveillance system.
The study identified four key factors linked to higher Aedes mosquito numbers, with building age being one of the most significant. They found that, for every 10 years older a building was, the chances of finding high mosquito numbers more than doubled. But why is this the case?
Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water, and ageing structures tend to have cracks, worn-out fittings, and outdated designs that trap small pools of water. These are enough for mosquito eggs, which can survive even after the water dries out for a while.
Where Mosquitoes Hide in Old Buildings
Many mosquito breeding spots are hidden in plain sight, but the study highlighted two in particular.
Gully traps, while designed to block sewer smells, often hold small amounts of water that is enough for Aedes mosquitoes to lay eggs. And because they’re built into the floor or ground, they can easily be overlooked during maintenance.
The cleanliness of corridors also plays a role. Walkways cluttered with buckets, trays, or old plant pots can trap rainwater or cleaning water, creating breeding spots over time. In contrast, clean, uncluttered corridors leave far fewer chances for mosquitoes to thrive.
What Facility Managers Can Do to Prevent the Spread of Dengue Mosquitoes
The good news is that there are ways for managers to eliminate these threats even in ageing buildings. Here’s where to start:
1. Inspect Your Property Thoroughly
The first step of your mosquito control plan is to identify areas where these disease-causing insects can breed. Seal or repair hotspots such as cracked walls and floors, poorly aligned pipes, leaky taps, and clogged gully traps before they become a problem.
2. Train Your Staff to Look for Mosquito Breeding Sites
Your team is your eyes on the ground. Make sure they know what mosquito breeding grounds look like and how to identify early signs of activity, such as larvae in water or clusters of adult mosquitoes in dim, sheltered corners.
3. Encourage Residents to Join Your Efforts
While management holds the primary responsibility, NEA emphasised the value of community-based intervention. Encourage residents to clear standing water from pails and planters, and keep corridors free from clutter. Simple reminders on notice boards or educational campaigns can go a long way.
4. Contact the Pros
Working with a professional mosquito control provider offers the most efficient and long-term protection. Here at PestBusters, we target mosquitoes from the larval stage to maturity using science-backed, practical solutions.
You also get direct access to expertise that can help you build a strategic dengue prevention programme. We also provide documentation for each treatment, so you can track progress and stay compliant with NEA regulations.
Protect Your Tenants with Expert Mosquito Management
Property managers, especially those handling older buildings, must stay alert and take action before a mosquito infestation turns into an outbreak.
Partnering with PestBusters means you’re getting targeted solutions that stop dengue mosquitoes with several lines of defence, both in external and internal premises. Our services are customised to your building’s needs, helping you maintain a safe environment for your residents.
Let’s work together to keep our neighbourhoods dengue-free. Contact PestBusters today!