Some Singapore pest control firms report increase in bedbug infestations, expect more to come

SINGAPORE: As bedbugs cause bedlam in other parts of the world, major pest control firms are reporting an increase in infestation numbers here and predicting that there will be more to come.

In the past two months, cases at Aardwolf Pestkare have increased by around 40 per cent. 

The firm’s sales manager Pierce Chan noted that there is a global resurgence, with Paris and South Korea experiencing infestations. 

However, travellers to any part of the world need to be wary, he said.

“Personal hygiene is a very important factor. We just have to keep a lookout to places that we travel, especially in hotel rooms and the things that we are going to bring back from overseas,” he said.

At Pestbusters, there has been a 10 to 15 per cent increase in the number of enquiries and cases over the past six months.

“It's been increasing steadily and I suspect that it could maybe still increase slightly based on the holiday season being around the corner,” said Mr Joachim Lee, an entomologist at the firm.

Similarly, Mr Chan expects a 20 to 30 per cent increase in the number of infestations here in the first quarter of 2024, after people return from their trips overseas during the December school holidays.

“Bedbugs are excellent hitchhikers,” he said, adding that one way to avoid bringing the pests home is to soak clothes and other items in water hotter than 60 degrees Celsius.

Both firms mostly receive calls for help at home, but other premises include dormitories and hotels.

BEDBUG TREATMENT

Aardwolf and Pestbusters offer chemical and heat treatment to deal with bedbug infestation.

They look at places like cracks in the parquet flooring, headboards and even cable trunking and power points. Cupboards, sofas and drawers are also common areas where bedbugs may be hiding. 

These areas are typically close to the source of their food - humans - as they feed on their blood.

For the chemical treatment, chemicals are sprayed in places with infestation and potential harbourage areas, said Mr Chan. 

A residual effect from the spray means that any remaining eggs that come in contact will die, he added.

His firm keeps stock of chemical sprays that can last up to six months to ensure there is enough supply in the event of a spike in cases.

He noted that in 2014, there was a surge. At the time, there were 20 to 30 cases a month compared to fewer than 10 a month.

Heat treatment is done especially in homes with toddlers or seniors, the firms said.

“For clients that do have certain concerns, especially those with elderly in their homes, young children or babies or people with immunodeficiencies or sensitive skin, we would generally not try to use the chemical because it might cause repercussions later,” said Mr Lee.

Treatment typically takes half a day, and follow-ups are done to ensure that the problem is being solved.

NEED FOR AWARENESS

People who are not hygienic are among those most at risk of bedbug infestations, said Mr Lee.

“While bedbugs do feed on all humans, regardless whether they are clean or not, personal and also surrounding cleanliness can lower the risk when it comes to whether the bedbug is establishing the harbourage area or infestation,” he said.

Others at risk include people who live in cramped spaces which are also dirty, as well as those who travel frequently.

One silver lining of the current bedbug problems in different parts of the world is the increase in awareness, he added. 

However, he said there is room for improvement as compared to knowledge of other insects like mosquitoes.

The reaction people experience from bedbug bites varies, said Mr Chan, adding that some do not feel any itch.

Advising travellers, he said: “Even before you sleep on the bed in the hotel room, make sure you check and look out for evidence of potential infestation.”