Bed Bugs Threat and Prevention
News
A rising number of bed bug incidents in Paris and other major cities is raising concerns about public health. The insects have been spotted in many private homes and public spaces in Paris, including cinemas, hotels, metro, and even Charles de Gaulle airport.
Singapore is a major global transport hub. Because of that, the country is extra prone to bed bugs infestations, since bed bugs typically attach themselves to clothes and luggage. As we approach the end of the year, Singapore is starting to see more travelers who could easily and unknowingly bring bed bugs into the country. In light of this situation, NEA advises people to watch for any signs of bed bug issues in Singapore and to conduct comprehensive inspections and cleaning of areas susceptible to bed bug infestations.
How to Spot Bed Bugs?
Bed bugs are on average 5-7mm in size, usually black or brown in colour. They hide in locations with regular access to food, including mattresses, wallpapers, boxes, picture frames and similar.
If you are staying in a hotel or common room, it is important to pay close attention to mattresses, the bed frame and bedside furniture, and areas where luggage is stored. Take some time to learn about other places where bed bugs come from.
Taking Preventive Measures
People are advised to have a regular cleaning routine and perform thorough inspections for any signs of bed bugs. Vacuuming all areas of the room can help you minimize the extent of a bed bug infestation and reduce the risk of spreading. And by having regular pest inspections in place, you can mitigate the risks of the infestations.
How Do You Get Rid of Bed Bugs?
If you detect bed bugs on your property, there are some DIY things that you can do to get rid of them. The infested clothing and bedding should be washed at a high temperature. Other fabrics that can’t be washed should be either treated with high temperatures or placed in the freezer for a couple of days. You will also need to vacuum all the areas that are suspected of bed bug infestations. Don’t forget to throw out the contents of your vacuum cleaner.
It is also advisable to hire a professional pest management company to locate the source of the infestation and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.
Killem Pest Partners with Habitat for Humanity Singapore
News
Killem Pest has joined Habitat for Humanity Singapore in a meaningful journey to create healthier and safer living environments for elderly and vulnerable families residing in rental flats in Singapore. By collaborating on Project HomeWorks, Killem Pest aims to provide not only effective pest control services but also support the local communities.
The goal of Project HomeWorks is to help families that have difficulty in upkeeping the cleanliness and safety of their homes. We come to help when they have cluttered homes, when the house is infested with pests such as bed bugs and cockroaches and the house requires intensive cleaning. – Andrew Setiawan
As part of our 30th Anniversary celebration, Killem Pest decided to collaborate with Habitat for Humanity Singapore to serve around 30 homeowners in Singapore through fumigation services.
We want to help people who are in need, people who can’t afford to pay for pest treatments like fumigation. Bringing fumigation through Killem Pest helps homeowners and ensures safety of our volunteers. – Andrew Setiawan
This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering a cleaner, more comfortable, and pest-free environment for those who need it most, reinforcing the company’s dedication to both social responsibility and pest management excellence. Together, we are building not only pest-free homes but also brighter futures for the vulnerable families.
Celebrating Our 30th Anniversary
News
August 2023 – We proudly announce the celebration of our 30-year anniversary. Since Killem Pest’s inception in 1993, we have been dedicated to providing effective pest management solutions to residential and commercial clients across Singapore.
We started Killem more than 30 years ago. It was just the two of us: you [Harry] were on the field, and I [Ewa] was in the office. Killem is still continuing this journey.
– Harry & Ewa Singh, Founders of Kilem Pest
Over the past three decades, Killem Pest has grown exponentially. We’ve expanded our services to cover a wide range of pest-related issues. Despite the growth and success, we have held true to our roots as a family-run business. The commitment to family values extends to Killem Pest employees as well, as they take pride in their work and go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Nicole Zycinski – Singh expresses gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the growth and success of Killem Pest.
We are so happy to share our 30th anniversary with you: our customers, our colleauges, suppliers, friends and family. Thank you for your loyalty and trust and we look forward to continuing to keep Singapore safe together.
– Nicole Zycinski – Singh, Managing Director of Killem Pest
Throughout our history, Killem Pest has embraced innovation and adopted cutting-edge technologies to enhance our pest management processes. Our eco-friendly approach has been key to the service, emphasizing the importance of environmentally responsible pest control methods to protect both customers and the planet. In addition to providing pest control services, we believe in giving back to the community and are actively involved in various CSR initiatives and community activities.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of safeguarding homes and businesses from pests while upholding the highest standards of customer service and professionalism. We plan to expand our service area and further invest in sustainability (i.e. electric vehicles) and technology innovations that will help improve pest control services.
The 30-year anniversary celebration is a testament to Killem Pest’s commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and the family values that continue to shape our identity. As we enter this new chapter in our history, we are confident in facing future challenges and continuing to make a positive impact with our pest management practices.
Spike in Dengue Fever Cases Raises Concerns in Singapore
News
Singapore is facing a significant rise in dengue fever cases, with an alarming increase reported over the past weeks. According to the National Environment Agency (NEA), 216 cases of dengue were recorded from June 18 to 24.
Moreover, as of 26 June 2023, there are 41 active dengue clusters, 5 out of which have 10 and more cases reported. The Lorong 1 Toa Payoh cluster has emerged as a hotspot for dengue infections, with 172 cases and a relatively fast rate of transmission.
These numbers are further raising concerns among residents and health officials about the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water sources commonly found in urban areas.
The traditional dengue peak season starts from May to October due to the accelerated development of mosquitoes and the Dengue virus in them. The growing number of dengue cases is indicating a need for heightened public awareness and preventive measures to stop the disease transmission.
Public Awareness and Prevention Efforts
As the dengue situation intensifies, Singaporean authorities have ramped up public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of mosquito control and personal protection. Residents are advised to continue practicing the “B-L-O-C-K” and “SAW” methods.
The NEA emphasizes the need for collective action, urging individuals to eliminate stagnant water sources in their surroundings, such as flower pots, vases, and containers. Ensuring good housekeeping and regular checks within individuals’ properties can help prevent further dengue spread in the area.
In addition, the NEA has advised the public to apply mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity periods. Collaborative efforts involving residents, community organizations, and government agencies are essential in combating the spread of dengue and minimizing the risk of mosquito breeding.
The NEA continues to monitor the situation closely, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure that necessary measures are in place to tackle the rise in dengue cases. Public health advisories are regularly updated to provide accurate information and guidance to the public.
Tree Planting at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
News
Killem Pest is committed to various CSR initiatives. One of our favourites is planting trees. Over the past several years, we have planted trees in Sungei Buloh, Bukit Batok Nature Reserve and Yishun Park. In 2023, we are planting trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. As its Killem Pest’s 30th anniversary this year, we are proud to help restore nature in Singapore and to keep the country clean and green.
What is the Plant-A-Tree Programme?
The Plant-A-Tree Programme is an initiative by the Garden City Fund and is part of a larger project: The OneMillionTrees movement.
Organisations and individuals in Singapore – including Killem Pest – are doing their part in helping plant 1 million trees between 2020 and 2030. Just 3 years in, over half a million trees have already been planted!
Bee Relocation at The Singapore Association For The Deaf
News
Killem Pest and The Sundowners Bee Rescue were called into action to handle a bee problem at The Singapore Association For The Deaf.
Two bee nests were found in the roof of the building. Upon inspection, these appeared to be Asian Honeybees (Apis Cerana). Each nest had approximately 20,000 bees! These were advanced nests with mature bee colonies. Thankfully, in collaboration with The Sundowner Bee Rescue, we have safely relocated the bees and given them a new home.
As part of our 30th anniversary this year, as well as our commitment to supporting charities in Singapore, the costs of the bee relocation have been fully donated by Killem Pest.
We would like to thank our partner – The Sundowner Bee Rescue – for yet another safe bee relocation.
For more photos, videos and media enquiries, please send an email to [email protected]
Killem Pest & The Sundowner Bee Rescue Partnership
News
Killem Pest is proud to partner with The Sundowner Bee Rescue in Singapore to save the bees together. We recently spoke with the founder of The Sundowner, Clarence Chua, to learn more about bee rescue.
In 2022 alone, The Sundowner Bee Rescue has saved 100 bee nests – that’s around 500,000 bees! And they hope to hit the 1 million bees target by the middle of 2023.
Bees are one of the most important creatures on our planet. They are responsible for pollinating many of the foods we rely on, and also play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the health of our environment.
The true value of the bees is not the honey: it’s the value of pollination. The global crop production pollinated by bees is valued at $55 billion around the world. – Clarence Chua
Despite that, bees are sometimes considered pests due to the inconvenience that they cause in residential areas. Many people don’t know that bees are relatively harmless, unlike other pests. If you leave bees alone, they usually won’t come close to you.
Bees are one of the cleanest insects: they don’t carry any pathogens or diseases that can be passed to the humans. – Clarence Chua
If you find a beehive around your property and you are concerned about your children’s or pets’ safety, contact us to get help. Killem Pest and The Sundowner Bee Rescue will take care of it and safely relocate the bees.
Dengue cases in Singapore increase by more than 500% in 2022
Dengue cases in Singapore increase by more than 500% in 2022
According to a recent report by the NEA (National Environment Agency), the number of dengue cases in Singapore has jumped by an alarming 515% over the past year – with a total of 31,892 infection cases being reported in 2022. This means nearly three times more people are being infected with this potentially dangerous virus that could ultimately lead to death.
While these figures may be worrying to some, it is important to stay informed on why there has been such an increase in dengue cases, what steps can be taken now to prevent further spread, and how to protect yourself from getting infected.
Reasons why dengue soared
According to the NEA, the high number of dengue cases in 2022 has two causes:
- High Aedes aegypti mosquito population, which might be due to increased construction in 2022 and warmer climate conditions that have shortened the incubation cycles of the mosquito.
- Circulation of the previously uncommon DENV-3 strain of dengue, that communities have lower immunity to.
Dengue virus serotype 3 (DENV-3) had not been the dominant virus serotype, so having immunity against the previously common serotypes does not guarantee immunity against others. This combined with the increasing number of Aedes aegypti mosquito population requires raising awareness among people and tackling the issue before it peaks.
Historical look at dengue cases in Singapore
Singapore has seen a troubling trend of increasing dengue cases in recent years. After the peak of over 20,000 dengue cases in 2013, there was a general decline in the number of dengue fever cases between 2014 and 2018.
However in 2019, there was a sharp increase in the number of cases in Singapore –15,622 reported cases in total. Singapore has a warm and humid climate which is an ideal environment for mosquito breeding. That, combined with a switch in predominant serotype from DEN-1 to DEN-2, has led to a further increase in the number of people infected (35,315 reported cases in 2020).
Since the government established tighter control measures and initiated activities to reduce the spread of dengue and potential breeding sites for mosquitoes, the numbers went down to 5,258 in 2021.
What can be done to avoid contracting dengue
In order to prevent further spread of dengue in 2023, it is important to reduce mosquito breeding and control the mosquito population. Some preventive actions that can help to avoid contracting dengue include:
- removing stagnant water from home areas;
- maintaining good housekeeping;
- following Mozzie Wipeout ‘B-L-O-C-K’ steps:
- Break up hardened soil
- Lift and empty flowerpot plates
- Overturn pails and wipe their rims
- Change water in vases
- Keep roof gutters clear and place BTI insecticide inside
- spraying of insecticide in dark corners around the house and places where mosquitoes could potentially breed;
- applying insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites;
- wearing long-sleeve tops and long pants.
It is also important to have up-to-date information about dengue clusters, and seek medical attention if not well. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for successful management of dengue cases.