Ants Information

Ants are one of the most common insects found around us. You get them in homes as well as in office buildings. They are pests because they travel to all kinds of places, including garbage areas, and may carry germs on their bodies. In this manner, they transmit diseases and cause food poisoning. In addition, some ants inflict painful bites.

Type of Ants

Pavement Ants

Fire Ants

Pavement Ants

This ant gets its name from commonly locating its nest in or under cracks in pavement. They're about 1/16-1/8" (2.5-4 mm) long; queens about 3/8" (8 mm) long. Colonies are moderate to large, averaging 3-4,000 ants and several queens.

WHERE YOU FIND THEM

Inside a building, pavement ants will occasionally nest in walls, in insulation, and under floors. The most likely place is in the building foundation and especially near some heat source. They often follow pipes which come through slabs for access to upper floors of buildings

Outside these ants typically nest under stones, in cracks in pavement, and next to buildings. They enter buildings through cracks in the slab and walls, slab expansion joints, and the natural openings of buildings. Although not aggressive, workers can bite and sting.

These ants feed on almost anything including insects, honeydew, seeds, plant sap, and household foods such as meats, nuts, cheese, honey, and bread, but show a preference for meats and grease. They forage in trails, and for distances of up to 30 feet (9 m).

CONTROL

Keep all areas free of food debris. Pay particular attention to floors and the area around tables, chairs, kitchen sinks and cookers

Used utensils should not be left overnight, but washed immediately after use

Tie garbage in refuse bags before disposing

Wipe away spilled sweet drinks and food straightaway

The professional approach would be:

Locate the nest(s) and treat with a residual insecticide.

Try to follow ants back from the food source.

Dust in the voids of outside ground-floor walls, treatment of cracks in the slab with a residual insecticide, and barrier treatment gives the best control

The direct injection with an appropriately labeled high-pressure aerosol (160 psi) into the entrance/exit opening in the crack or expansion joint of a concrete floor is extremely effective

Baiting may be necessary

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FIRE Ants

These ants get their common name from their ability to inflict especially painful bites and stings. A mature colony can produce as many as 4,500 swarmers during the year. Queens live 2-6 years. Males die shortly after mating.

Fire ants prefer food with a high protein content but will feed on almost anything, plant or animal. The fire ant has been known to remove insulation from phone and electrical wires, and to gnaw on clothing, especially if soiled. Particularly destructive to vegetation. Workers forage in established trails.

WHERE YOU FIND THEM

Fire ants are typically ground-nesting ants. Outside, the ants nest usually in the vicinity of the kitchen, under stones or other covering objects, or in the soil at the base of a tree or shrub, or in clumps of grass. Fire ants are attracted to electrical junction boxes of traffic signals, air conditioners, etc. When they mass around the electrical contact points, they cause the equipment to malfunction. They will also nest in gas and water meter boxes and then follow the pipes into the building

CONTROL

Keep all areas free of food debris. Pay particular attention to floors and the area around tables, chairs, kitchen sinks and cookers.

Used utensils should not be left overnight, but washed immediately after use

Tie garbage in refuse bags before disposing

Wipe away spilled sweet drinks and food straightaway

Locate the nest(s) and treat with a residual insecticide. Try to follow ants back from the food source. Dust in the voids of outside ground-floor walls, treatment of cracks in the slab with a residual insecticide, and barrier treatment gives the best control. The direct injection with an appropriately labeled high-pressure aerosol (160 psi) into the entrance/exit opening in the crack or expansion joint of a concrete floor is extremely effective. Baiting may be necessary

For best results, it is best to seek SITA Pest Control's help

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Bed Bugs Information

These tiny insects, 4 - 5mm long, shun the light. During the day, they hide in cracks, crevices, furniture, bedsteads, mattresses, behind wallpaper, skirting boards, etc. These harbourages are also their breeding places. The male, female and young nymphs are all blood-suckers

They hide in cracks and crevices close to their sleeping hosts, such as in the bedroom. A sign of bedbug infestation is the unpleasant odour they emit. Another is the speckled appearance of their faecal deposits. Bedbugs come out of their hiding places at night and bite humans, as well as other mammals like mice, rats or poultry. The bedbug takes between 3 to 15 minutes to engorge themselves with blood. The bite produces a hard swelling, whitish in colour and causes severe irritation. After feeding, they crawl back to their hiding places where they usually crowd together

CONTROL

To prevent infestation, maintain high standards of housekeeping and hygiene

Cracks and crevices should be sealed so that the bedbugs are denied places to hide and breed

For bad infestations, these hiding places (which are usually difficult to access) need to be treated professionally with a residual insecticide. Depending on the type of treatment, bedding and mattresses must be thoroughly aired before they are re-used

Rooms in the tropics must be treated early in the day, so that they will be dry and fit for re-entry in the evening

Locate the nest(s) and treat with a residual insecticide. Try to follow ants back from the food source. Dust in the voids of outside ground-floor walls, treatment of cracks in the slab with a residual insecticide, and barrier treatment gives the best control. The direct injection with an appropriately labeled high-pressure aerosol (160 psi) into the entrance/exit opening in the crack or expansion joint of a concrete floor is extremely effective. Baiting may be necessary

To effectively solve the problem, it is best to seek SITA Pest Control

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Bees And Wasps Information

Bees and wasps are known as beneficial insects because they prey on other small animal pests, pollinate flowers and produce honey for human consumption. However, they carry a venomous sting that can be very painful and may cause extreme allergic reactions in some people. Bees and wasps do not sting unless disturbed; which sometimes happens accidentally, and thus they are also classified as pests. (Larger wasps are known as hornets.)

Type of BEES

Solitary Bees

Social Bees

Solitary Wasps

Social Wasps

SOLITARY BEES

Most solitary bees are small, except the carpenter bees which bore holes into dead timber. Carpenter bees are either completely black or black with a yellow band near the head. Their stings are very painful.

SOCIAL BEES

Honeybees are social bees living in colonies with a queen and workers. Most of the honeybees are small, not aggressive and seldom sting. The exception is the giant honeybee. These bees make enormous hanging combs on branches and buildings, are very dangerous and must never be disturbed

SOLITARY WASPS

Female solitary wasps build mud nests where they lay their eggs. They prey on small insects by paralysing them with stings. They then stock their prey in the nests so that the young larvae can feed on these paralysed, but live, victims. The sting of the solitary wasp can be quite severe; fortunately, they do not sting unless severely provoked. They never inflict multiple stings and therefore are not dangerous

SOCIAL WASPS

Social wasps will defend their nests aggressively and will attack if their nests are approached. Multiple stings from the larger wasps such as hornets are dangerous, and the victim needs to be hospitalised immediately. Some victims have died from hornet stings. In Singapore, the common hornets are the banded hornets, the lesser-banded hornets and the slender-banded hornets. These are black with an orange band on the body
Other social wasps are smaller than the hornet and will also attack if their nests are disturbed. The night wasps nest in bushes and enter our homes because they are attracted to light. They will sting if they land on one's skin. They usually sting just once

CONTROL

Although bees and wasps do not sting unless disturbed, they pose a threat to humans when they build their nests near our habitats because sometimes they can be accidentally disturbed

It is advisable to destroy the nests or hives. Do not do this yourself. It is dangerous and must be handled by a professional pest control technician

To destroy the nest, a professional will spray it with an insecticide to kill the insects. Then the nest will be burnt and removed

It is best to spray the insecticide at night when all the bees or wasps have returned and are also inactive

For safe and reliable service, call SITA Pest Control.

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Birds Information

Most of us are fond of birds, so it is regrettable that these beautiful feathered friends sometimes spread deadly diseases. They also deface and cause deterioration of buildings with their droppings due to the acidic secretions produced by the fungi that live in the droppings.

Pigeons and sparrows carry bacteria-causing salmonellosis (food poisoning). Pigeons also carry ornithosis (a disease similar to virus pneumonia) via the infected droppings or through sweat glands. This is usually mistaken for flu in humans, and therefore it's occurence is more common than realised.

Birds' nests harbour insects and mites which live in the nest material or droppings. Nests become reservoirs of pests which then invade homes, factories and farms, often causing considerable damage to property, especially fabrics and stores of food products. By preventing birds from building their nests on your premises, much of this damage can be avoided. In addition, the excrement of roosting birds can kill lawns and shrubs and thus reduce the value of property.

CONTROL

1. SITA Anti-Roosting System

The SITA Anti-Roosting System consists of a tailor-made platform with spikes for keeping pigeons, sparrows, mynahs and other bird pests off ledges where they roost, perch or nest. The birds will not attempt to land on the ledges as the spikes will deter them. At the same time, the birds will not be harmed at all. This modern and maintenance-free system will keep your premises bird-free

2. The Gel

The gel is another very effective and popular measure. However, it has some big disadvantages compared with the Anti-Roosting System. The gel normally lasts up to a year, but in hot climates, the gel tends to melt, thus shortening the life-span. Another drawback is that the gel is made ineffective with constant window cleaning and maintenance

Perhaps the most significant drawback is that it tends to be a little inhumane as the gel occasionally gets stuck to the flight feathers, thus affecting the birds ability to fly. The cost of gels is another concern. They are too expensive for such a short life span

Call Sita Pest Control for an obligation-free survey and quote

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Termites Information

Homeowners' insurance will help recover losses from fires, storms and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to carry insurance against termite infestation.
Termites are pests because they feed voraciously on wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard, boxes and a variety of other items. They cause very extensive damage to buildings, and endanger lives when they attack building foundations and beams that are made of wood. Even buildings with steel framing and masonry walls are targets because of the wooden door and window frames, cabinets and shelving within the buildings.
A termite colony is large, composed of the queen, king, winged reproductive swarmers, soldiers and workers. Worker termites are small, creamy white insects. They are the most numerous and the cause of all the termite damage.

The two main types of termites in Singapore are:

DRYWOOD TERMITES

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

DRYWOOD TERMITES

DRYWOOD TERMITES are so-called because they establish themselves in wood that is not decayed, or in contact with ground moisture, and which appears to be perfectly dry. This species can live in wood with as little as 3% moisture content. They tend to be found in attics of buildings where they can live without any soil connections whatsoever. Drywood termites are larger than their cousins, the subterranean termites.

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES are the most damaging species among termites. They must, however, be in regular contact with water. Hence, they nest underground sometimes attacking timber foundations. Subterranean termites differ from the dry-wood and damp-wood termites in that colonies usually need to maintain contact with the soil in order to acquire enough water to survive. In some cases, where structural timbers are sufficiently moist, colonies are able to survive without ground contact. The underground colony lives in a series of chambers and galleries from which they construct mud tubes to the wood which they use as food. They can also nest above the ground if there is a constant source of water such as from a leaking pipe or air-conditioner.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TERMITE TREATMENT

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TERMITE TREATMENT

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TERMITE TREATMENT>

1. What is a termiticide?
It is a type of chemical used for the control of termites. Each is extensively tested for effectiveness by proper authorities and registered by the Ministry of the Environmental.

2. Will the wood in my home be treated?
Direct treatment of the wood is seldom done since the soil application procedure will eliminate the majority of subterranean termite problems. If required, there are special products available to the professional to effectively remove termites from the wood.

3. Will there be an odour?
There might be a slight odour from the treatment but it should only last a short period of time.

4. Are termiticides a danger to my health?
Studies show that when termiticides are applied according to label directions no adverse health effects occur to persons applying the product or to occupants of the treated building.

TREATMENTS

SOIL TREATEMENT

CORRECTIVE TREATEMENT

REGULAR INSPECTIONS

SOIL TREATEMENT

Also known as Slab Injection, this is the next best preventive measure. This process consists of drilling through the slab floor and injecting a specially formulated Anti-Termite Solution. Applying termiticides to soil around the exterior foundation creates a complete chemical barrier around the existing buildings and structures.
Warranty Provided*

CORRECTIVE TREATEMENT

REGULAR INSPECTIONS

When the above two methods cannot be employed, SITA's well-trained technicians will protect your property with a systematic monthly or two-monthly programme of checks. The regular inspections maintain vigilance and minimise damage through early detection and treatment
Warranty Provided*

CONTROL

Ideally, ensure that all wooden items be kept at least 20 cm above the ground.

Remove decaying tree stumps and wooden debris.

Trees should be planted away from the house.

Replace with concrete all wood that's in contact with soil

Because termites are seldom discovered until the damage caused is visible (and very costly to rectify), only a professional can safely say if your property is infested, and most definitely, only a professional can treat the problem.

Termiticides are necessary to treat a termite infestation, and this termiticide can only be handled by a licensed pest control operator.

There are two main forms of professional termite control:

Soil Treatment for the preconstruction phase of a building

Corrective Treatment(Slab Injection) for properties already built

Sita Pest Control is licensed by NEA to conduct all forms of termite control.

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Cockroaches Information

Cockroaches like warm, dark and moist environments. They hide in cracks and crevices and are active at night. They feed on almost anything with nutritive value including all food humans consume; and other stuff such as soap, glue, toothpaste, paper, leather and excrement. Depending on species, they can be small or large in size

Type of Cockroaches

AMERICAN COCKROACH

AUSTRALIAN COCKROACH

ORIENTAL COCKROACH

GERMAN COCKROACH

AMERICAN COCKROACH

This species is red-brown, 3 - 4 cm long. They are the most common species found in Singapore and are seen most often around houses, in cabinets, restaurants, grocery stores, sewers and rubbish chutes

AUSTRALIAN COCKROACH

This looks like the American cockroach but is darker brown with yellow markings on the thorax. It prefers to feed on plant materials such as leaf litter

ORIENTAL COCKROACH

These cockroaches are much darker than the American and the Australian species. The colour varies from dark brown to black

GERMAN COCKROACH

This species is amber-brown in colour and, at 1 - 2 cm long, the smallest of all. It does not fly. It likes warm and damp environments and is found in kitchens, store rooms, under sinks and cupboards, in drawers and furniture and around refrigerators

CONTROL

To get rid of cockroaches, the factors that allow for its survival must be removed. It will help a great deal if you follow the following preventive steps

Keep food in tightly closed cabinets and containers

Don't leave food waste in sinks, on tables or floors

Wash dishes and utensils after a meal; don't leave overnight

Seal cracks and crevices in walls or floors with a proper sealant

Clear away old newspapers, boxes and cardboard cartons as cockroaches like to hide in these items

Inspect all incoming stock, crates and boxes for cockroaches and their egg cases before storage

If you have an infestation, professional help from SITA Pest Control is the only long-term solution

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Fleas And Ticks Information

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas

TICKS

FLEAS

Fleas are external blood-sucking parasites that host on humans, dogs, cats, rats and other animals. They are often brought into homes by infested pet dogs and cats, or by rats. Fleas usually bite humans around the ankles and lower legs. The bite wound can develop into skin inflammation. Fleas are also carriers of human diseases, the most significant of which is the deadly plague, as well as murine typhus.

Adult fleas are about 2 - 2.5mm long. The body is flattened vertically to enable them to move rapidly between the host's body hairs. Their legs are very well-developed and powerful, making them ideal for jumping. Fleas prefer warm and humid conditions and are attracted by the body warmth of the animal host. When the host dies, the fleas leave the body in search of another host

The eggs are not glued/stuck to the hairs or body but are deposited on or between hairs, or in the nest or bedding material. Hence, eggs on the animal either fall or are shaken off, and are frequently found in cracks and crevices where pets sleep or lie down. This explains why after treating a pet, fleas are found on them soon after.

It is not necessary to have pets in the building in order to have fleas present. Since fleas can jump about 6" (15 cm) vertically, they can easily hitch a ride on shoes, trousers, etc. Fleas are typically found where animals sleep or frequent.

CONTROL

To reduce the likelihood of a flea infestation at home, follow these simple measures:

Maintain a high standard of cleanliness within your premises. Floors, carpets and upholstery should be vacuumed and cleaned frequently to remove adult fleas and eggs

Infested pets should be treated by a veterinarian immediately.

Always keep pet bedding and surrounding areas clean. Keeping pets outdoors helps to reduce the flea problem indoors.

Wipe away spilled sweet drinks and food straightaway

The professional approach would be:

Locate the nest(s) and treat with a residual insecticide.

Try to follow ants back from the food source.

Dust in the voids of outside ground-floor walls, treatment of cracks in the slab with a residual insecticide, and barrier treatment gives the best control

The direct injection with an appropriately labeled high-pressure aerosol (160 psi) into the entrance/exit opening in the crack or expansion joint of a concrete floor is extremely effective

The homeowner must do the following just before the flea treatment:

remove all items such as toys and pillows off the floor or carpet

remove all articles from under beds, from closet floors, and from under furniture

vacuum all upholstered furniture, floors, and carpeting, paying particular attention to the foot of the furniture on which the pet rests, under furniture, and wall-floor junctions

the vacuum bag must be immediately removed and put into a plastic garbage bag, the top sealed, and then placed in an outside garbage receptacle or burned.

thoroughly clean all areas frequented by cats, e.g. table tops, refrigerator tops, window sills, counters, etc.

Mattresses, cracks and crevices in the floor, walls and beds should be treated with insecticides

Fleas may be brought into your home by rats and mice infesting the house, so rodent control should also be considered

You will need SITA Pest Control for a thorough solution

TICKS

Ticks are external parasites of animals and humans. They are not insects, rather, they come under the same grouping as spiders and other 8-legged creatures. These blood-suckers are mostly encountered outdoors.

Tick bites are itchy and irritating. Mainly found on and transported by domestic animals, they can bite and transmit diseases to both pets and humans. The dog tick is most likely to be encountered at home. While it seldom attacks humans, it reduces the dog's vitality and causes the pet to be irritable. The male tick is about 3mm long and reddish brown in colour. The female looks the same, but can grow to 12mm in length. The female dog tick engorges itself by feeding on the dog's blood.

It then leaves the dog and finds a crack or crevice to lay some 1,000 - 3,000 eggs which hatch in about 2 - 8 weeks. Adult dog ticks are usually found around the ears and neck, or between the dog's toes. They are also often found on walls, curtains and window sills.

CONTROL

If your dog has been infested by dog ticks, bring your pet to the vet.

Clean the dog basket and places where the dog likes to frequent.

Treat these places with an insecticide.

Seal all cracks and crevices in the house where ticks can hide.

For a thorough and reliable service, call SITA Pest Control.

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Rodents Information

Rats feed on all kinds of food, including ours! And when they do, they contaminate our food with their urine and faeces. In this way, rats transmit diseases such as leptospirosis. The infamous Black Plague that caused millions of deaths in England and Europe was the result of the disease being spread by rats.

Rats carry fleas and mites on their bodies which also transmit diseases to humans through their bites. Moreover, rats have been known to bite humans. To prevent their front teeth (called incisors) from growing too long, rats need to gnaw constantly. This gnawing habit destroys household items. Buildings have gone up in flames because rats have gnawed through the insulation around electrical wires.
Rats and mice are social animals and prefer to live in nests. Outdoors, their nests can be found in garbage dumps, in the ground, in drains and other areas where food and shelter are nearby. Indoors, they hide in wall and floor voids, roof voids and furniture.
Although rats cannot see well, they have very sharp senses of smell, hearing and touch. They eat all types of food and search for food during the night. They are good climbers and jumpers.

Type of rodent

Norway Rat

Roof Rat

House Mice

NORWAY RAT

This is also called the brown rat or sewer rat, and can grow quite large. It is this rat that we commonly see running in drains, around eating places, in bin centres and in warehouses. They live in colonies outdoors and make burrows in the soil, underneath sunken pavements and floors.

ROOF RAT

Rats feed on all kinds of food, including ours! And when they do, they contaminate our food with their urine and faeces. In this way, rats transmit diseases such as leptospirosis. The infamous Black Plague that caused millions of deaths in England and Europe was the result of the disease being spread by rats.

HOUSE MICE

These species are very small. As such, they can enter buildings easily. They are also very good at climbing, jumping and swimming. They live in small family groups and nest in gaps between walls, false ceilings, furniture and rubbish dumps.

SIGNS OF INFESTATION

Gnaw marks. New gnawings or holes tend to be rough whereas, old gnawings are smooth from wear.

Droppings. Fresh droppings are soft and moist whereas, old droppings are dried and hard.

Tracks/footprints. Front footprint is 4-toed and is in front of usually longer hind print with 5 toes. Fresh tracks are clear and sharp

Damaged goods. Roof rats prefer fruits, vegetables, and cereal whereas, Norway rats prefer meat, fish and cereal.

CONTROL

Rat control can be effected with good housekeeping and sanitation. These creatures are very intelligent and will search out food sources unless they are kept inaccessible.

Store all foodstuff out of the reach of rats. Food should be kept in strong containers. Rats are able to gnaw through plastics.

Remove food wastes and spillage by throwing them away in a tied plastic bag. Bags should then be placed inside bins with tight covers. Rats will have no problem eating through plastic bags left on the ground.

To prevent rats and mice from entering your house, block all possible entry points with strong wire mesh. Wire mesh can also be placed around pipes to stop rats climbing up or down into houses.

Insecticide granules can be added to water in plant bowls and plates beneath pots to kill the larvae. These granules last 1 - 3 months.

A rat infestation needs professional assistance. Call for SITA Pest Control.

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Flies Information

These are particularly dangerous insects as they carry bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms from the most filthy places onto our food. Flies are responsible for causing cholera, dysentery, typhoid and other food-borne diseases. Flies have the filthy habit of regurgitating food from their gut as they feed, and excreting faecal pellets on the food. They are attracted by the odour of decaying organic matter where they breed and feed.

Type of Flies

House Fly

Blowfly

Fruit Fly

HOUSE FLY

Flies are not only a nuisance pest but of greater concern is their potential as a carrier of disease organisms, having been found to harbour over 100 different pathogenic organisms.

House flies are general feeders, being attracted to a wide variety of substances from excrement to human foods. Because of their sponging mouthparts, they can feed only on liquids.

However, through regurgitation they are able to liquefy many desirable solid foods. Also, a house fly excretes and regurgitates whenever it comes to rest. This habit coupled with its many body hairs and bristles and the sticky pads at the base of the claws on each leg make house flies well adapted for transporting disease organisms

House flies have been shown to harbour over 100 different kinds of disease, many of which are associated with filth. Such pathogens include those causing

typhoid fever

cholera

diarrhea

dysentery

tuberculosis

anthrax

ophthalmia

polio

salmonellosiso parasitic worms.

They have been shown to be disease pathogen transmitters via their vomit, faeces, and contaminated external body parts

BLOWFLY

Larger than the housefly, these are shiny, metallic blue or green in colour. They're also known as the "Blue-bottle" fly. They frequent garbage dumps, dead animals, excrement and food. They are recognised by the loud buzzing sound they make when flying

FRUIT FLY

These are very small and yellow-brown in colour. They fly around decayed fruit, vegetables or rubbish. Fruit flies tend to be more active around dawn and dusk.

CONTROL

Flies are best controlled through proper sanitation.

Remove garbage, faeces and other animal matter regularly.

Dispose of such material in a tied plastic bag

Manure to be used as fertilizers should be dry and kept in tied bags when not in use. Cover manure with a layer of earth or soil so as not to leave the manure exposed to flies for breeding

Fly screens fitted to windows and doors prevent flies from entering your home.

Aerosol insecticides can be used to kill adult flies. However, this is undesirable in kitchens, restaurants and F&B outlets. Instead, a fly bait consisting of syrup or food mixed with insecticide is more suitable.

The use of electric "zappers" at strategic locations in restaurants and food processing areas is effective as a monitoring station to identify the type of flies as well as for control. Larger "zappers" are used in gardens for flies and moth control.

The most effective preventive measure is to simply ensure premises are free of exposed food sources and wastes that flies are attracted to.

For effective control, get SITA Pest Control to give you the right advice and recommend the best control measures.

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Snake Information

By and large, the 2 most common types of snakes you're likely to encounter that are of concern are the pythons and cobras. There are 2 species of pythons in Singapore, and similarly, 2 species of cobras to be found in this country

Type of SNAKES

Pythons

Cobras

PYTHONS

Pythons are commonly found in jungles near water, and are often found coiled up in the trees. Occasionally they may invade moderately populated or even densely built-up areas. Large pythons are dangerous because of their constrictive power and vicious bite. Striking pythons will bite and pull back, causing deep gashes and severe bleeding for the victim. Two or more persons are needed to overpower a large python. These snakes have well-developed eyesight and are most active during dusk. Pythons kill their prey by constriction.

Reticulated Python
The reticulated python is known to be the longest of all snakes, attaining a length of between 10 - 15 m. Its usual prey consists of warm-blooded animals such as chickens, rats, pigs and goats. Small pythons can be easily caught, but adults are dangerous as their powerful coils may be too much for a single person to handle. Moreover, their bites can cause severe injury.

Blood Python
This is also called the Short Python because of its short and stout body. Its head is small, and the upper lip of its mouth has two heat-sensory pits instead of four on each side as with the Reticulated Python. These heat-sensory organs help the snake to locate the presence of warm-blooded prey

COBRAS

There are two types found in Singapore - the Black Spitting Cobra and the King Cobra. The Black Spitting Cobras are most active at night when they hunt for amphibians and rodents. A well-lit garden deters these snakes from entering. Great care should be taken when confronted by a Black Spitting Cobra for a well-aimed "spit" in the eyes can be very painful.
The King Cobra is deadly because of its size and large quantity of venom that it secretes. Do not disturb a pile of vegetable debris in the field as it could be the nest of the King Cobra -a brooding female is very aggressive when guarding her eggs.
The reticulated python is known to be the longest of all snakes, attaining a length of between 10 - 15 m. Its usual prey consists of warm-blooded animals such as chickens, rats, pigs and goats. Small pythons can be easily caught, but adults are dangerous as their powerful coils may be too much for a single person to handle. Moreover, their bites can cause severe injury.
All cobras should be left alone when encountered.

CONTROL

The most effective means of containing mosquitoes is to remove stagnant water so that they have no place to breed.

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Mosquitoes Information

Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance to humans, they also transmit diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. To date, these diseases continue to claim thousands of human lives each year. All mosquitoes have 4 distinct stages in their life cycle; the first three - egg, larval and pupal - are spent in water. Moreover, only a little stagnant water is necessary, thus the vital importance of ensuring that our premises are free of stagnant water.

Type of Mosquito

Aedes Mosquito

Anopheles Mosquito

Culex Mosquito

AEDES MOSQUITO

The Aedes mosquito is the main transmitter of dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and the deadly yellow fever. Its black body and legs have white spots and stripes on them, thus they are sometimes known as "Tiger mosquito". This species is very active in the day and strongly attracted to humans for blood feeding.

The Aedes mosquito breeds in household containers such as flower vases, in pot plates, water storage jars where clean water is always present. It can also breed in roof gutters, watering cans, tree holes, puddles and discarded containers around the house where rainwater collects.

ANOPHELES MOSQUITO

This is the most important common vector of malaria. It has white or rusty-red spots on its wings. It bites during the night. This species breeds mainly in ground seepage, streams, ponds and swampy areas.

CULEX MOSQUITO

This light brown mosquito bites in the night and it's bite is very itchy. One species of the Culex mosquito is a big nuisance because the female lays many eggs at a time which then hatch out into numerous adults.

The Culex mosquito breeds in polluted water such as in drains blocked with litter. Besides giving itchy bites, they can transmit the horrible disease called elephantiasis (the victim's limbs swell to a very huge size, resembling elephant limbs).

CONTROL

The most effective means of containing mosquitoes is to remove stagnant water so that they have no place to breed.

Change water in containers at least once a week. It takes only 7 days for any egg to become an adult

If you need to store water, cover it to prevent adult mosquitoes from breeding

Check around your house for unused or unwanted items that collect rain water. Roof gutters should be regularly inspected for blockage.

Insecticide granules can be added to water in plant bowls and plates beneath pots to kill the larvae. These granules last 1 - 3 months.

If you want peace of mind, call SITA Pest Control for effective control.

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Other Pests

Centipedes

Head Lice

Millipedes

Silverfish

CENTIPEDES

Contrary to common knowledge, centipedes are actually beneficial creatures because they feed on other pests. The house centipede rarely bites and when it does, its bite is no worse than a bee sting. The bite of a giant centipede, however, can cause severe pain and swelling. Centipedes sometimes scratch the skin when they crawl over our body, and they also inject venom into the scratch wound, causing swelling and infection.

Long, narrow and flattened, the body of a centipede has many segments, each bearing a pair of legs. Just behind the head are a pair of venomous claws. The two common species are:

House Centipede
This is greyish with long legs marked by alternate white and dark bands. Three dark stripes run along the body from front to back. They are 5 - 8 cm long when fully grown.

Giant Centipede
These can grow up to 20 cm long and are really fearful. The legs are relatively shorter than the house centipede.

Centipedes are found in dark, damp places, under leaves, rotten logs, stones and cardboard boxes. They are active at night and feed on ants, cockroaches, flies, earthworms and other small animals. Indoors, the house centipedes are found in damp basements and bathrooms. When disturbed, they crawl quickly in search of hiding places.

CONTROL

1. As far as possible, clear out damp and dark places inside the house.
2. Outdoors, piles of unwanted items, leaves and piles of grass should be removed.
3. An insecticide with a long-lasting effect can be applied in cracks and crevices, basements, around doors, windows and other entry points.

HEAD LICE

Head lice cause irritation and itching to the scalp by piercing the skin and injecting toxins. This leads to weariness and tiredness in a person. Scratching the head can cause infection of the bite wounds by fungi and bacteria. If left untreated, the eggs of head lice remain in the hair for a long time.

Each female lays approximately 300 eggs which are cemented to the hair. The cement cannot be removed without damaging the hair or scalp. It takes just 5 - 10 days for the eggs to hatch. Head lice infest the hair of the head, while sucking blood from the hosts. Lice are usually spread through the use of communal combs and brushes, personal contact with the infested individual or contact with infested bedclothes and clothing. Head louse is common in over-crowded places and among people with poor personal hygiene

CONTROL

Avoid contact with infested persons.

Infested people should wash their hair and head often and thoroughly with hot water.

Hair combs and brushes and bedclothes must be isolated from others.

See a pharmacist for a medication to remove head lice.

You can remove the eggs from hair with a fine-toothed metal comb specially made for this purpose.

Call in SITA Pest Control for a thorough job.

MILLIPEDES

Millipedes do not bite or sting humans. They are usually found in the garden and in decaying vegetation. Some millipedes secrete a liquid that leaves a stain and causes severe skin inflamation and blindness in humans.

Millipedes normally live outdoors where they feed on damp and decaying wood and vegetation. Sometimes they leave the soil and can be found crawling in the house, or hiding beneath flower pots. The migration into the house may be due to heavy rain which raises the water level in the soil and forces them to seek shelter elsewhere.

When threatened or in danger, they roll up into a ball. Some species secrete a repugnant liquid which is brown or white. The liquid is toxic to other small animals and is usually exuded slowly, although sometimes it can discharge the liquid as a spray.

CONTROL

As millipedes thrive in damp organic matter, remove all decaying vegetation regularly.

Check also for wood buried in the soil.

Millipedes are killed by insecticide sprays or dusts.

Special attention should be given to all millipede entry points.

A pest control operator is needed to treat the premises and surrounding areas. Call Sita Pest Control for a thorough job.

SILVERFISH

Silverfish cause damage by eating into books, book bindings, photographs, and cause wallpaper to flake off by feeding on the paste. They are wingless insects with flattened, slender bodies. The body is carrot-shaped and tapers gradually to the back, giving it a fish-like appearance.

Silverfish are nocturnal insects that normally stay away from sunlight. They can be found anywhere in the house where it's dark and undisturbed, such as basements and book shelves. They feed actively at night on human food, starch, glue, paper, paste, silk or linen.

CONTROL

Thorough inspections are necessary to find their hiding places. Use of a flushing aerosol helps to locate them.

Seal up all cracks and crevices where silverfish can hide and breed.

To avoid infestation, inspect all books, particularly old books that you bring into the house.

Where possible, store book, files and papers in airy places

Human food should be kept in tight containers and food crumbs cleaned and removed to deprive the pest of food sources.

To safeguard your valuable books and documents, get reliable service from SITA Pest Control.

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