Here's how the weather can impact pest activity

Being a tropical state, it is always warm and humid in Singapore with the occasional and unprecedented rainfall.

Unfortunately, this warm weather often results in an increase in pest activity. While the city does not experience the different seasons of winter, spring and fall, the weather can be unpredictable with its hot, humid, rainy and sometimes cold climate. Each of these has an impact on the type of pest you may find, the locations they can be found and the type of activities they engage in.

In this article, we will discuss how the weather in Singapore affects pest activities and some of the ways to prevent a pest infestation in your premises.

How the weather in Singapore can affect pest activities

The warm weather in Singapore provides the perfect opportunity for pests to thrive. The high temperature may encourage an increase in pest reproduction. It may also push insects to seek shelter in your homes where they can avoid the extreme weather.

While you enjoy the ample sunlight and warm temperatures, pests such as mosquitoes, spiders, rodents, and ants may also enjoy the favourable weather in their hunt for food. Therefore, it is important to keep homes clean and to shut potential entry points to keep pests at bay.

Wet weather: On the other hand, the occasional downpour in Singapore may also lead to an increase in the number of pests entering homes in their search for dry grounds. The wetness of rainy weather can also serve as a great catalyst for pest reproduction, which can result in an increased number of pests entering your home for food and shelter. Eventually, this leads to a pest infestation.

Dry weather: Pests, not unlike humans, need water to survive. Therefore, when the weather outside is too dry, they are more likely to enter your home in their search for water. Ants, for instance, may even build nests near your home for easier access to resources. Therefore, you might see them entering the home premise on a regular basis.

Unprecedented weather conditions: Water is necessary for pests to survive but too much of anything is not always good. Heavy rains may drive ants, rodents, and cockroaches into your home. This is because the unprecedented weather condition destroys their nests and washes away their resources.

All these weather conditions can drive pests into areas that human inhabits, thus, increasing the risks of a pest infestation and the other problems that come with it. These may include illness, food contamination and damage to infrastructure. For businesses, it can also affect their brand image.

When are pests most active?

How the weather can affect pest activity

It is safe to say that pests are most active in the warm weather. This means all year long in Singapore. Termites can destroy wood infrastructures all year long. However, they are often more visible in warm weather when they emerge to mate and start new colonies.

These are some signs of a potential termites infestation:

Termites infestation

• Mud tubes on walls
• Discarded wings
• Hollow sounding timber
• Tightly fitted doors or windows
• Termite tunnels in wood
• Termite droppings
• Sightings of termites

If you spot a large number of live ants then you may have an ant infestation. Other signs include ant pathways and ant nest. While ants are active all year long, they are most active during the dry season. Therefore, it is important to have regular ant control measures.

Pest control: Your best defense against a pest infestation

In order to be free of pests all year long, it is essential to have a well-planned pest control strategy in place. A professional integrated pest management program can secure your home from any potential infestations by identifying pests in your premise, inspecting signs of pest activity and suggesting a proactive course of action to eliminate pests.

In addition, ensure that you also take the necessary steps to keep pests out. Keep your food in airtight containers and keep your counters free of crumbs or any food residue. Make sure your home is well maintained, repair leaks and seal all potential entry points promptly. Lastly, keep your trash bin sealed and dispose your garbage on a daily basis.

Speak to a Rentokil Singapore pest specialist to explore a pest control solution that would work for you. Get in touch with us today at  (65) 6347 8138 to learn more.