Introduction
Did you know that a few years back, a new cockroach species was found in a forested nature reserve in Singapore? Yes, ‘Nocticola pheromosa’ was discovered during an insect survey in 2023. It is important to note that these resilient pests thrive in tropical climates and Singapore’s weather with high humidity and warmth creates a conducive environment for them to breed. Throughout this blog, we will explore the factors that can cause cockroach infestation in Singapore and how to eliminate them. Further, we will also discuss the best control measures adopted by professional cockroach exterminators.
Common Cockroach Species in Singapore
Another fact: Did you know, there are over 4000 species of cockroaches roaming across the world? Luckily, Singapore has 3 common species for which we usually call for cockroach exterminators to save the day. Let us learn more about them:
1. German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
This light brown coloured, small pest causes big issues in several households. They typically infest the kitchen and bathroom or places where food is prepared. These cockroaches reproduce rapidly in warm and moist conditions.
2. American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
This is a larger species, reddish-brown in colour with a distinctive yellow marking on their bodies. These cockroaches sneak behind warm and dark areas like sewers, basements and even behind or under kitchen appliances.
3. Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
These dark-coloured cockroaches are rarely seen in Singapore unlike the German and American cockroach. Usually found in cool and damp areas like planters, drains and basements. This species can cause chaos in places with excessive moisture.
Understanding Cockroach Infestation and Behaviour in Singapore’s Humid Climate
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, marked by high humidity levels and hot temperatures that are favourable not only for cockroaches but a host of other pests. The higher the humidity, the more prone a place becomes for cockroach infestation. The German cockroach species is the most commonly found in Singapore, especially around areas filled with moisture.
This species thrive not only in moisture but also in grease, food leftovers, and other organic matter. Singapore’s warm climatic conditions allow fast reproduction all the year-round, making their infestation more extensive. Once they invade a property, even the professional cockroach exterminators may find it difficult to eliminate them in one go.
Lastly, cockroaches in Singapore have adapted to the urban environment and living conditions. Their unmatched strength and ability to go without food for more than a month make them ubiquitous. However, they constantly hunt for food and water to keep their colonies flourishing. As a result, controlling these pests requires advanced techniques and tools, which companies like ORIGIN Exterminators specialists, ensuring comprehensive and long-lasting solutions.
Factors Contributing to Cockroach Infestations in Singapore
Now that you know the hot and humid climate is the major factor leading to cockroach infestation in Singapore, it is time to learn about other elements that can intensify these pest attacks.
Easy access to food
Cockroaches are exceptional rummagers and their ability to feed on practically anything (foods and non-food materials) makes them more difficult to eliminate. Food crumbs on the kitchen floor or countertops, open food containers or bins, dirty dishes and greasy kitchen floors can attract cockroaches.
Cluttered environment
Dark and undisturbed spaces are the perfect habitat for these pests. Cluttered areas like under sinks, cabinets, attic and closets shelter cockroach colonies. Such areas also hide the cockroach infestation until it blows out of control.
Leaky pipes and plumbing
While cockroaches can go without food for weeks and even months, they need water to survive. Any stagnant water or leaky pipes around the house can become their breeding ground and cause cockroach infestation.
Poor waste management
Improper disposal of food waste can increase the risk of infestation. Cockroaches feast on overflowing garbage bins or food crumbs or scraps lying in inaccessible areas. Furthermore, leaving trash bins indoors for a longer duration without sealing them can significantly attract cockroaches.
Best ways to prevent cockroach infestations in Singapore
Now that you know the factors that elevate the risks of a roach invasion, let us discuss a few practical steps to prevent these pests and keep them away from your home.
Seal all entry points
Cockroaches can squeeze themselves to enter your premises through the thinnest gap and smallest crack. Therefore, carefully inspect in and around your property for any potential access points. You must check the doors, windows, utility pipes and vents. You must seal all gaps with caulk to restrict these pests.
Go dry - Eliminate moisture
To keep cockroaches at bay, it is essential to check on the moisture levels in your house and lower the levels. You can start by using dehumidifiers in the kitchen and bathroom to maintain a dry environment. Ensure that you dry all wet mats, towels or mops to curb the moisture that cockroaches seek in your home.
Deep clean the kitchen regularly
A clean home has a lesser chance of being attacked by these intruders. To keep them far away from your premises, wipe the surfaces often, especially in the kitchen, where molds, tiny food particles and grease can accumulate. Do not leave food spills or crumbs over-night, rather remove them immediately. Store all food items securely in air-tight containers, ensure regular checks are in place and clean the neglected areas like under and behind appliances to prevent cockroach activity.
Clean the clutter
Cockroaches infest dark and cluttered areas. Try to keep your storage spaces (like cabinets and closets) organised and clean. This step will help you stay ahead in locating any cockroach infestation and determine their hiding spots.
Take the trash out regularly
Never leave the dust bins sitting around your home for several days; instead ensure they are sealed and cleared regularly. Furthermore, use a bin with a lid to keep the cockroaches away from feasting over food scraps. Lastly, wash and clean the bins periodically to remove food residue and unpleasant odours.
Use cockroach traps
The market is flooded with several kinds of cockroach traps that can help you curtail their population. All you need to do is place the traps in the areas marked by cockroaches. However, we would recommend using the trap in conjunction with a host of other measures for better and long-term relief.
Invest in professional cockroach exterminators
If you have tried all preventive measures and the infestation persists, it is time to get in touch with professional cockroach exterminators. Experts can study the source and severity of infestation and implement targeted treatment to get rid of cockroaches from your home. Expert exterminators can not only guarantee long-term relief but also help with solutions to keep future infestations away.
Try ORIGIN Exterminators to eliminate cockroach infestation
With over 50 years of experience in providing exceptional pest control services, experts at ORIGIN Exterminators guarantee effective cockroach control in Singapore. Below are highlights of our action plan for total elimination of cockroaches safely.
Gel baiting
To determine long-term and effective cockroach control, ORIGIN utilises scientifically formulated gel baits. These baits target the biology and behaviour of the cockroach thus addressing the infestation issue. The process includes placing tiny gel dots across the cracks and crevices of the infected areas. Once the insects ingest these baits and return to their cluster, the bait gets spread when the cockroaches die and is eaten by the others in the nest. This effectively targets the source of the infestation.
Residual spraying
We use a non-toxic pesticide spray solution that is potent enough to eliminate these pests on contact. The spraying is performed along the cockroaches' typical routes of movement or directly at their hideout to ensure both immediate knockdown and long-term control.
Customised treatment plans
At ORIGIN we understand all infestation cases are unique and different. Therefore, our experts start with inspecting and studying the infestation levels. Armed with their findings, they customize a targeted treatment plan that will not only ensure optimal cockroach control suitable for your home but also keep your family safe from sicknesses.
Check this blog: Pest Control Prices in Singapore.
Wrapping up
Given the warm and humid climate, Singaporeans need to take proactive measures to keep cockroach infestations at bay. The aforementioned points, like removing moisture sources, reducing clutter, stacking food properly and sealing entry and exit points, will help minimize the likelihood of a cockroach infestation. Lastly, if all your measures fail and the infestation persists, you must contact cockroach exterminators to address the problem.
Click here to get in touch with us to ensure a cockroach-free premise.
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