Mosquitoes are the most disturbing insects in the world and unfortunately, Singapore’s warm and humid climate is favorable for mosquitoes. More than 2,600 dengue cases are reported in 2024. Their rapid breeding makes them hard to control, posing threats to daily life and spreading diseases.
To get rid of mosquitoes in Singapore, destroy the breeding places where they lay eggs. It includes water containers, gutters, and puddles. Use a window or door screen to block their entry—plant flora like citronella or marigold for more protection. Apply different insecticides and get professional help for the best results. Learn the complete guide for how to get rid of mosquitoes—no more sleepless nights!
What Attracts Mosquitoes to Us
- Body odor and heat
- Carbon dioxide
- Perspiration (sweat)
- Lactic acid
- Blood type
- Dark clothing
- Movement
11 Secret Yet Effective Ways to Eradicate Mosquitoes
1. Remove any source of Stagnant Water
The elimination of mosquitoes starts with destroying their breeding places. They still need water to lay eggs that hatch into larvae within a few days. To destroy their breeding spaces,
- Empty plant pots and trays and add sand to prevent accumulation.
- Unclog drains and gutters to avoid water buildup.
- Keep unused containers and buckets upside down or cover them tightly.
- Change water from pet bowls and birdbaths frequently.
- Dispose of tires and discarded items.
2. Ensure proper airflow
Mosquitoes love to stay in humid and still environments. Keep your home cool, well-ventilated, and dry to make it less hospitable for them. To do that,
- Use fans to create a breeze that will disrupt their flights, making them difficult to land, fly, and bite.
- Turn on the air conditioner to cool down the temperature and reduce humidity.
- Open the window during the day to ensure proper airflow.
3. Install Window and Door Screens
Window and door screens stop mosquitoes from entering your house. Install fine mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents, and exhaust fans. Check regularly for holes or gaps. Path them if you find any. It keeps your house mosquito-free naturally.
4. Try Mosquito Repellents
What if you go outside? Personal protection is mandatory here. Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin such as arms, legs, and neck. Try DEET-based repellents (10-30% concentration) for long-lasting defense. Picaridin is also a good option with similar efficacy and with lower skin irritation. You can try lemon eucalyptus oil, citronella, or neem oil repels for natural protection.
5. Burn Mosquito Coils and Essential Oils at home
Burning mosquito coils is the best way to kill or repel mosquitoes. These coils release smoke infused with insecticides like pyrethrum to kill or repel. You can also try electric diffusers or incense sticks to control mosquitoes with minimum smoke. Use candles with essential oils such as citronella, lavender, or peppermint. Keep them near the door or gardens.
6. Grow Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Nature has its repellents for mosquitoes. Plants like lemongrass or citronella confuse mosquito senses, whereas plants like Marigolds and basil emit a pungent odor to keep mosquitoes away. Plant those plants in your garden or place them on balconies, patios, and garden areas to deter mosquitoes passively.
7. Use Mosquito Traps
Modern technology can target mosquitoes directly. You will find electric mosquito traps to trap and kill these insects. These traps use UV light to attract mosquitoes and kill them on contact. The CO₂ traps mimic human breath to attract and zap or trap them. Sticky traps capture mosquitoes and work well in enclosed areas. Place these in high-risk areas—balconies, near doorways, near doors, windows, outdoor seating areas, or shaded corners—where mosquitoes rest.
8. Use Larvicides in Water Sources
You cannot remove all the water sources. For such unavoidable water features (e.g., ponds), use larvicides like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) to target mosquito larvae. These larvicides destroy larvae without harming fish, pets, or humans. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) are another good option that prevents mosquitoes from maturing. Oil-based larvicides also work to suffocate larvae. Apply these to ponds, drains, and water storage areas to stop mosquito breeding.
9. Conduct Thermal Fogging and Larviciding
For severe infestation and broader spaces, combine thermal fogging with larviciding. Thermal fogging disperses fine insecticide mist and penetrates foliage to kill adult mosquitoes instantly. This is suitable for yards or estates. You can also try cold fogging for a safer, odorless option. Combine this treatment with larviciding (e.g., BTI) in water to kill the larvae. Apply thermal fogging at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
10. Perform Misting Treatments and Engage in Fogging
You can extend the fogging with misting treatments. It uses automated systems or handheld sprayers to coat vegetation with residual repellents. Use home fogging services for professional-grade results. Use this in gardens, patios, and yards and target hidden mosquitoes in plants and shaded areas.
11. Hire Professional Pest Control Services
DIY effort is good. However, when infestations get heavier, call in experts. Professional pest control services inspect your areas, deploy industrial-strength insecticides, and ensure proper eradication of mosquitoes with fogging, trapping, or barrier treatments. They also provide customized mosquito control plans based on infestation levels and long-term solutions. If you are a Singapore homeowner, then you can contact Termite Specialist, a NEA-certified pest control company, which offers effective mosquito control in Singapore.
Prevention for Mosquito infestation in Singapore
1. Environmental Control
- Remove stagnant water from trays, buckets, and drains.
- Clear clogged gutters.
- Cover water storage containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Dispose of unused tires, empty bottles, and containers.
- Keep your swimming pools chlorinated and well-circulated. Drain unused pools.
- Check air conditioner drip trays and remove excess water.
2. Physical Barriers
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
- Install window and door screens.
- Always use mosquito nets over the bed while sleeping, especially at night.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants while going outdoors. Try light-colored clothing to reduce attraction.
- Use fans to prevent mosquitoes from flying and moving.
- Run air conditioning to reduce the humidity level.
3. Chemical Protection
- Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin.
- Spray insecticides in infested areas.
4. Biological Control
- Introduce fish like guppies and mosquitofish into ponds, fountains, and water features to feed larvae.
- Encourage natural predators such as dragonflies, frogs, and bats to hunt mosquitoes.
- Plant grasses like Citronella grass, Lemongrass, Marigolds, Basil, and mint.
5. Large-Scale Control Measures
- Perform regular fogging in infested areas.
- Hire professionals for long-term solutions.
- Participate in community clean-up programs.
- Follow local mosquito control regulations.
How to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home or room
Install screens, seal cracks, use fans, close doors, apply repellents, burn coils, reduce humidity, remove stagnant water, use mosquito nets, and switch to yellow lights to deter mosquitoes effectively.
How to kill mosquitoes in a room
Use mosquito coils, spray, electric zapper, swatter, essential oils, or set traps with soapy water to kill mosquitoes. Learn more about how to get rid of mosquitoes in the room.
FAQ
Why do mosquitoes bite me and not others?
- Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to body smell, heat, carbon dioxide, and sweat. If you have a higher body temperature, more CO₂ exhalation, or specific skin bacteria, then mosquitoes will be attracted to you.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in the room?
- Use mosquito net, install window and door screens, close windows at dusk, and remove stagnant water. Try electric zappers, repellent sprays, and natural repellents like citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus oil.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in the backyard?
- Remove standing water in pots, drains, and birdbaths. Grow mosquito-repelling plants such as citronella, and marigolds and apply larvicides.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in the toilet?
- Install proper drainage, fix leaking pipes, and remove water traps. Install fine mesh screen on floor traps.
How to get rid of mosquitoes at night?
- Use mosquito coils, run the fan, install bed nets, and apply mosquito repellent on skin or clothes. Try electric mosquito killers to get rid of mosquitoes.
How to get rid of mosquitoes in the room naturally?
- Apply citronella, eucalyptus, or neem oil as repellents. Grow mosquito-repelling plants like basil or lavender indoors and outdoors. Keep airflow smooth to deter mosquitoes naturally.
Can eating certain foods help prevent mosquito bites?
- No, there is no such proof that certain foods help prevent mosquito bites.
Do air purifiers help in repelling mosquitoes?
- No, air purifiers do not repel mosquitoes. But if your one has strong airflow, it will make mosquitoes hard to fly.
How often should I clean drains and gutters to prevent mosquitoes?
- You should clean drains and gutters at least once a month.
Do blue or yellow lights attract mosquitoes?
- Only blue lights attract mosquitoes, whereas yellow lights are less attractive to mosquitoes.
