🐜 Bye-Bye Pests: How to Remove Pest

Living in an HDB flat comes with its comforts — affordable housing, convenience, and strong community vibes. But one challenge many residents face? Unwanted “roommates” like ants, cockroaches, lizards, and mosquitoes.

Don’t worry — pest control doesn’t always mean calling in the professionals. With the right steps, you can prevent infestations and keep your HDB home clean, safe, and pest-free.

1. 🐜 Ant Invasion Control

Common in: Kitchens, food storage areas, wall cracks.

What to do:

• Seal food tightly in containers (ants can sniff out sugar from afar).

• Wipe counters after every meal to remove crumbs.

• Use natural deterrents: Sprinkle cinnamon, vinegar, or lemon juice at entry points.

• Last resort: Apply ant baits (available at supermarkets) near trails for colony elimination.
  

2. Cockroach Management

Common in: Drains, rubbish chutes, under sinks.

What to do:

• Keep rubbish covered and dispose daily.

• Close drainage openings with mesh covers to block entry.

• Use gel baits & sticky traps — more effective than sprays

• DIY tip: Baking soda + sugar mix can kill roaches naturally.
  

3. 🦎 Lizards: The Silent Creepers

Common in: Kitchens, living rooms, behind cabinets.

What to do:

• Keep walls and surfaces clean — lizards love insects, so reducing pests keeps them away.

• Place egg shells or coffee grounds in corners (traditional repellent).

• Seal cracks in walls and cabinets where they hide.

• For stubborn cases: Non-toxic lizard traps are available.
  

4. 🦟 Mosquito Prevention

Common in: Plant pots, drains, stagnant water spots.

What to do:

• Eliminate stagnant water (flowerpots, trays, and drains).

• Change water in vases daily.

• Cover bamboo pole holders with caps to prevent breeding.

• Apply mosquito repellents or use electric zappers at night

• NEA Tip: Join the Mozzie Wipeout routine (Turn over, Tip out, Cover, Clear, Flush).
  

5. 🐀 Rat & Rodent Control

Common in: Rubbish chutes, void decks, food storage areas.

What to do:

• Seal food properly — don’t leave rice bags or snacks out.

• Check rubbish chute doors — make sure they close tightly.

• Set snap traps or glue boards in suspected hiding spots.

• Professional help may be required for severe infestations.
  

6. 🌿 Prevention is Key

Instead of waiting for pests to appear, build habits that keep them away:

• Regular cleaning (especially the kitchen).

• Declutter storage spaces.

• Seal cracks and crevices.

• Clear rubbish daily.

• Use insect screens on windows if needed.
  

7. 🛠️ When to Call the Professionals

If you spot:

• Large infestations (e.g., cockroaches running in daylight).

• Persistent ants even after DIY measures.

• Rodents inside the unit.

  
  

  It’s best to call NEA-licensed pest control companies for safe, effective treatments.
  

🏠 Final Note

Your HDB flat is your safe space — don’t let pests take over. With preventive steps and smart removal strategies, you can enjoy a clean, pest-free environment. Remember: in Singapore’s tropical climate, pests are common, but with vigilance, you’re the boss, not them.