What are Pests, and How Can They Affect You?
A pest is a tiny animal or insect that invades your home spaces and spreads harm to you or your furniture. Cockroaches, rodents, mosquitoes, etc. are some examples of pests in Singapore.
The rainforest climate in Singapore provides a suitable environment for many pests to flourish due to the humidity and fixed seasons. This provides an abundance of water for pests to breed and find food.
Pests usually reproduce rapidly and can overrun your home without your knowledge until the problem becomes palpable. By then, it could put your family’s health and furniture in danger.
For example, termites are pests as they inhabit and consume your wooden furniture or even your entire house. While on the other hand cockroaches may spread diseases as they often scour unhygienic areas for food, which affects your health.
Homees provides a directory of best-reviewed pest control companies in Singapore. You can compare and view a list of services that can suit your home needs.
11 Best Pest Control Companies In Singapore (Our Top Picks)
Companies | Services | Where to find | Ratings |
Homees Concierge Service | Homees Concierge Service Team - tell us what you need and we'll help get it solved. Talk to us today by giving us a call or Whatsapp us now. | 994 Bendemeer #03-04 Singapore 339943 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Pest Off | - Pest Control | 25 Kaki Bukit Pl, Singapore 416203 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
WTG Pest Control | - Pest Control | 1 Scotts Road #24-10 Singapore 228208 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Absolute Pestcare Pte Ltd | - Pest Control | 192 Waterloo Street #07-07 Sky Line Building Singapore 187966 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Maximum Pest | - Pest Control | 54, Maude Road Townshend Building #02-06 Singapore 208346 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Top Pest Control Pte Ltd | - Pest Control | 3791 Jalan Bukit Merah #08-12 E-Centre@Redhill Singapore 159471 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Aegis Pest Services | - Pest Control | 75A Killiney Road, #02-05 Singapore 239529 | N/A |
Ridpest | - Pest Control | 1 Bukit Batok Crescent #08-41 WCEGA Plaza Singapore 658064 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Pentapest Pte Ltd | - Pest Control | 31 Woodlands Close #04-02 Woodlands Horizon Singapore 737855 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
1 For All Pte Ltd | - Pest Control | 8 Burn Road #15-13, Trivex Building Singapore 369977 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Vector Pest Management | - Pest Control | 10 Anson Road #27-18 Singapore 079903 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Aerohub Pest Control | - Pest Control | #03-25 Gambas Cres, No.7 ARK@Gambas Singapore 757087 | Average Rating: 5/5 |
Hire Pest Control Services In Singapore
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The Average Price Of Pest Control In Singapore
Types of Pest | Estimated Price For Treatment |
Ants | $100 - $210 |
Termites | $120 - $260 |
Mosquitoes | $70 - $150 |
Bed bugs | $400 - $1,500 |
Cockroaches | $80 - $160 |
Rodents | $250 – $400 |
Pest Control Services
A professional gets rid of infestations, and usually, spend a significant amount of time educating distressed customers about the various methods that may be used to manage these bugs.
Professionals typically deal with the following:
Rodent control
Rodents are problematic pests, as they spread diseases and can destroy home furniture and electrical appliances which affect our daily lives. If you notice a slight urine odour, chewed furniture, or damage to your food packages, rodents are likely infesting your home.
Wasp/bees/hornet control
Being attacked by a swarm of them could be fatal, especially for those allergic to their poison. We recommend you to hire a pest control company to remove their hives for the safety of you and your neighbours.
Flea control
Fleas can be brought into your home by your pets. Flea bites often cause a serious itch. Fleas can be extremely distracting and can cause harm to your pets, as they will scratch themselves uncontrollably, eventually causing infections.
Cockroach control
In Singapore, many places act as a common nesting ground for cockroaches. Cockroaches often live with humans as they can inhabit inaccessible dark areas of your home, in hopes of finding leftovers to feed on. You can tell if your home is infested by them when your home gives off a musty odour, or you find cockroach shells lying around.
Ant control
Ants can be found where there is food left lying around unattended. You should ensure that your food is properly sealed and have no crumbs lying around. Also, make sure all of your rubbish is disposed of properly. If you have taken these steps to prevent attracting them but still find that ants are crawling in your home, you probably should call a pest control company. Ants are generally harmless but can cause discomfort.
Mosquito control
Singapore’s humid environment is the perfect condition for mosquitoes to breed mosquitoes that can carry deadly virus like the Zika, Dengue, and Chikungunya virus, which are all potentially fatal. Do make frequent checks in your home spaces for stagnant water to protect you and your neighbourhood.
Fly control
Flies can reproduce quickly and are known to spread diseases. Flies are commonly found in dirty toilets and places where there is food left lying around. These pests can be annoying and is a red flag that tells you should clean up your home.
Termite control
Termites can cause detriment to your home furniture. They feed on moist wood and are usually hidden from sight. You should hire a pest control expert to remove them to prevent your costly furniture from being spoiled.
Bird Control
Birds can be a problem for those who own an outdoor kitchen. Common birds that will intrude your homes are the Javan Mynah or pigeons. These pests will leave their waste and steal your food when you don’t notice.
Bed bugs control
Bed bugs are tiny nocturnal creatures that feast at night. They often go unnoticed for this very reason (at least until you get bites from them). The bites can be very itchy and affect your sleep. It takes a long time to remove them because you have to clean and disinfect all dirty furniture.
Tips for Selecting a Good Pest Control Company
There are so many companies that deal with pests in Singapore. How do you go about searching for a good, trusted, reliable company in Singapore?
A good company should be:
Having the right certifications from the NEA
Check with the company that you are engaging whether they have an NEA registration as Vector Control Operators (VCO). Only companies registered as VCO can be allowed to conduct any vector control treatment.
Furthermore, employees of the licensed company need to have Vector Control Technicians (VCT) or Vector Control Workers (VCW) to conduct any related services.
You can view the list of registered VCOs here.
Solving the root cause
Usually, they will diagnose the problem first before taking any steps. They will ensure that the root cause of the infestation is accurately identified and well understood before proposing any solutions.
Information gathered can include:
- Size of pest population
- species type and lifecycle stage
- Area covered by the pests’ activity
Good companies have advanced tools and technology to ensure they identify the right root cause. Make sure you ask them how they derived the conclusion of their diagnosis.
Conducting both preventive and reactive approaches
All pest control companies will treat the infestation with reactive approaches when damage is already present.
Companies will advise preventive approaches to prevent future infestations from occurring at your home. Some approaches include:
- Identifying and thoroughly removing sources of attraction
- Identifying places where the bug can easily enter your home and reduce the chance
- Advising home practices such as keeping food in sealable containers
Depending on the type of infestation or home, some companies could advise a routine treatment schedule or a regular review schedule. That way, they can ensure full eradication of the problem.
Providing warranty
Good companies issue a warranty to ensure that future infestations do not occur within a specific time period. These companies are confident in their executions and will gladly return and re-treat if problems occur again.
Educating the client
Companies always think for their clients and do their best to resolve their problems. They will advise and equip you with the best practices to prevent the future occurrence of similar infestations.
You should speak to a few companies
Finally, speak to a few companies to get a ballpark on the quality and value they are bringing to you. You can note for:
- Proper knowledge
- Technologies that they are using for diagnosis and treatment
- Warranty and scheduled treatment
- The safety level of treatment methods
A reliable company should have its own technology and expertise in treating an infestation. They will also adopt safe treatment practices to keep you and your home safe.
It is good to find a company that provides innovative new technology to tackle problems so that you know that you are getting the best quality service and treatments.
Why hire a pest exterminator in Singapore
You do not have the right tools to rid the pests
Different pest requires different methods to kill. Specific chemical solutions and equipment are more effective in exterminating pests. If you do not use an effective way to exterminate the pest, you may end up wasting money if the pests are not entirely eradicated from your home.
They may cause danger to you
Some pests require the help of an expert to exterminate. For example, wasp removal can prove to be fatal if done wrong. Getting a professional can help you remove the pest safely without harming you and your neighbours.
You may be unaware of the pests’ breeding
Some pest, such as termites and cockroaches lurk behind the walls of your home spaces and damage your property. You can only notice the gravity of their impact on your home when your furniture starts to fall apart or your family starts falling ill. Having a pest control expert will stop the pests from breeding before it is too late.
Frequently check possible pest hideouts
Exterminating a particular pest does not guarantee that it will not continue breeding again. More often than not, pests will come back to haunt you still if you relax on the pest control efforts. Hiring a pest control service ensures that you get monthly or quarterly checks to ensure that your house is free of pests.
Prevent hazards from happening
Pests cause damage to your property, which makes them a potential risk in your home. Termites feed on wood, be it your staircase or any wooden furniture. As termites feed on wooden furniture from the inside, your furniture may appear to be sound. The problem arises when you step on softwood that has been infested by termites, as it can cause splinters on your foot.
Rodents tend to gnaw on electrical wires to trim their teeth, which may cause a short circuit to occur and cause your house to catch fire at worst. Calling a pest exterminator can prevent such problems early on, protecting you and your family and saving the trouble of replacing your furniture or hiring an electrician.
General Pest Control Questions
What do pest control professionals do?
A pest control professional get rid of pest infestations, and usually spend a significant amount of time educating distressed customers about the various methods used when dealing with the pests.
If I notice some pest activity (e.g. rats, cockroaches, mosquitoes, insects), what should I do?
It is advisable to alert the people who are responsible for managing these pests to have them eliminated quickly and safely, without harming the environment. If you are responsible for this role and need professional help, we suggest that you contact a reliable pest control company immediately.
Do I have to leave my home during the treatment?
It depends on the treatment. If pest control professionals need to enter your home, it is advisable to stay home to prevent possible misunderstandings (such as lost items) and monitor the work.
Do I need to treat my property monthly?
In most cases, homes need only one pest control work treatment.
However, if the problem is complicated, you may need a professional to visit again to treat the issue.
How can I prevent a pest problem?
It depends on what kind of pest infestation you are having.
In general, you must ensure:
- Proper sanitation/housekeeping.
- Correct defective engineering/architectural design to prevent pest entry and harbourage.
- Treatment by licensed and NSRS-certified pest management professionals.
Is there a connection between pests and asthma in children?
Yes, bed bugs and cockroaches are known to trigger allergies and even lead to developing asthma in children. Their saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain allergens that trigger allergies and worsen asthma attacks.
How can I prevent a pest problem?
Different pests have different reasons for infesting your home. Thus, knowing the species of pest invading your home will help you in finding the cause of the infestation. In general, you must ensure:
1. Proper sanitation/housekeeping.
2. It is important to keep your house clean. Clearing all the leftover food and covering your rubbish prevents the pests from finding food and breeding in your home.
3. Correct defective engineering/architectural design to prevent pest entry and harbourage. Check your home water pipes for leakage or cracks in your roofs as they allow pests to enter your home.
4. Treatment from licensed and NSRS-certified pest management professionals frequently.
5. Seal all snacks in an airtight container to keep cockroaches and rodents away.
6. You should dispose of all trash properly. If you are living in a landed property in Singapore, seal your rubbish correctly and leave the trash bin outside your home.
7. If you are not using cardboard, you should sell them or dispose of them. Cardboard tends to attract roaches and termites as they use it for shelter.
8. Clear away all stagnant water found in potteries, drains, cups, etc., to prevent mosquitoes from breeding (follow the 5-step Mozzie Wipeout procedure)
Pest control safety and hazard precaution standards
When dealing with a pest control company, it is crucial to monitor the health and safety issues that may pose a threat to your family’s health, especially for the young and the elderly.
It is important that the pest control company has NEA approval and uses only NEA-approved chemicals to deal with the pests.
Check key information such as reduced risks status with the pest control professional to understand the process behind pest control fully.
What To Expect From A Good Pest Control Company?
Here is what you should expect when they come to your house. With this guide, you can expect the deliverables and service that you will receive from a decent company.
1. On-time Diagnosis Appointment
A diagnosis is required to ensure the companies are able to treat the infested area successfully and that you are agreeable to the price and type of treatment methods.
The technician will be bringing his equipment and diagnosis tools like moisture meters, telescoping cameras, and UV lights, looking neat and professional. Most of the time, he will show you his identification (i.e. a verified employee of the company) and the necessary licenses.
2. Assessment and inspection
Before the inspection, the technician should ask about the problems you are facing to better assess the situation. Some questions include:
- What pests have you been seeing?
- Where have you seen them?
The technician will then inspect the area using the necessary professional tools to correctly identify the type of infestation and the root cause of the problem.
3. Report of problem and agreement
After the assessment, the technician should then address the plans – treatment methods, products and frequency of treatments. He will also provide you with a report, outlining the problems. This will be a good item to clarify any doubts you have.
4. Treatment
Treatment will be carried out at scheduled appointments with safety precautions in place.
5. Post-treatment
For post-treatment, the technician will advise you of possible safety precautions you need to take note of and precautions you should be taking to prevent future infestations. The technician will also try to address any questions regarding the job.
Questions To Ask Pest Control Professional
Credibility and years of experience
It is important to check on the background of the company using metrics such as:
- Brand Credibility
- Size of the business
- Number of years practising pest management in the industry
- Reviews and ratings of pest control companies by past customers
Warranty
Checking if the company issues a warranty can help ensure pest control is effective for you. There are trustworthy, quality solutions backed by research and testing that warrant a more extended assurance period.
License and quality standard
Is the professional licensed to carry out pest control services, as well as having field staff fully licensed? The expert should be licensed by NEA to provide Vector Control services. All field staffers should be licensed and certified accordingly by NEA.
Are the exterminators from the company NSRS trained?
Being an NSRS Accredited Company is a good standard that allows the company to provide higher quality services and assurance.
Are the exterminators bonded and insured?
Being bonded and insured adds another layer of professionalism and credibility to the pest control company.
How does the pest control company decide what treatment is needed?
Here is a list of questions you can ask to determine how professional these exterminators are. Take note of their answers and compare them against online resources. Examples of questions include:
- What kind of pests are in my home? Are they common in this area?
- How severe is the infestation?
- What stage of life are the insects in– egg, larva, pupae, adult?
- How long have the pests been in my home?
- How long will it take to eliminate the infestation?
- Will the pests ever come back?
Is the company ISO Certified?
ISO is another certification that benchmarks the quality standards provided by the company.
Are your insecticides and baits safe to use, especially for homes with children (babies) and pets?
The professional must use only NEA-approved and registered insecticides/chemicals. Professionals should also take special care not to use them or place them in areas where children and pets may come in contact with them.
A further safety measure taken is the use of tamper-proof boxes which will prevent children and pets from making direct contact with the baits. Depending on the type of insecticide and its application, you and the baby should stay out of the treated premises for a couple of hours.
What kind of training have the pest technicians passed?
It will also be helpful to check if the pest exterminators pass other external tests, such as the Safe Use of Pesticides and Kill Germ Training courses.
What if I’m unhappy with the result?
Depending on the company, some pest control professionals will redo the work again if it is not satisfactory. We advise you to check with your exterminators to ensure they deliver the result, even if there needs to be a rework.
Hire and Compare Different Quotations
Not sure which type of home services can tackle your issue? Read profiles and ask the company about their past experiences to get a good idea.
You can then read the reviews from previous customers to understand the background of the potential hires and how they rate their work and message them directly to ask any specific questions.
Some companies provide free inspections of your home and then give you a quotation after they have diagnosed the problem. Use this opportunity to compare quotes and test them on their knowledge.
Ask your pest exterminator about their experience
Before you accept service, the least you can do is find out the qualifications and the experience level of the one in charge. Do not be shy to ask them for proof of their practising certificate, as all professionals must have a certain level of qualification in Singapore. Regulations in Singapore — NEA’s Pest Control Organization (PCO).
We recommend that you look at http://www.nea.gov.sg/public-health/vector-control/engaging-pest-control-operators-(PCO) for more accurate information. It is essential to make sure that the pest control operator (PCO) you engaged is fully competent to do the job well. Asking for the following information in your quotation/tender invitation will enable you to make a more informed decision:
- Do your technicians and workers in the company have training, and how many years of experience in vector management do they have?
- What type of technology or equipment (e.g. fogging/misting machines) do you use for your vector control?
- Past and current track records.
If you are signing a contract for a long term service, you should get the same person to be in charge of your place for every check as he would be more familiar and knowledgeable about the state of your home.
Checklist To Ask Exterminators
- Safety and insurance: You must take proper safety measures to clear out the chemicals after the extermination for the safety of your family. Do check whether the company has an insurance plan that covers you and its details, in case you have to claim any damages during the work.
- Credibility and years of experience: In general, the longer they have been operating, the more experienced they are in dealing with different kinds of situations.
- Warranty: If the job does not solve the issue, will you return again?
- Experience: The types of projects they have completed before.
- Type of work they’ve done before
- Type of pests they have dealt with
- The complexity of recent projects they have handled previously
- License and quality standards of the company
- Do exterminators have NSRS training?
- Are the exterminators bonded and insured?
- How does the company decide what treatment is needed?
- Is the company ISO Certified?
- Are your insecticides and baits safe to use, especially for homes with children (babies) and pets?
- What kind of training have the technicians passed?
- Innovative advanced solutions: Though not a must, good companies are continually innovating and improving their product or services. For example, by using new techniques such as water-based mist, bait and target methods, and assistance from dogs, professionals have creatively found new approaches to dealing with the problem in a greener way.
- Post termite treatment monitoring: A committed specialist cares for the safety and well-being of their customers on a long-term basis. A credible professional regularly communicates, educates and recommends useful tips and practices. They do not just exterminate, they are treat but conduct overall checks for safety and assurance.
- What if I’m unhappy with the result? Good companies can do the work again for free or at a low cost if it is not up to standard.
Hire and Review the Best Pest Control Companies in Singapore
View their gallery and portfolio, and compare prices of similar projects in your proximity. You can read the reviews from previous customers to understand the background of prospective contractors, and how they rate their work, and message them directly to ask any specific questions.
Alternatively, you can find out more information on NEA’s website on engaging pest control operators:https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pest-control/pest-control-operators.
You can also find out a list of vectors, which are organisms that transmit diseases, from NEA’s site:https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pest-control/overview.
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