Vector Control

NEA attempts to keep the incidence of vector-borne diseases low in Singapore. We use evidence-based integrated vector management systems, complemented by education, enforcement and continuous research to reach this goal.

What are vectors?

Vectors are organisms that transmit diseases. The five main vectors in Singapore and the diseases that they could transmit are:

Surveillance programme

NEA monitor the activities of vector population and the emergence of vector-borne diseases through surveillance programmes. Such programmes allow us to have a better understanding of transmission trends so that we are able to effectively put in place preventive and control measures to minimize the impact of such disease outbreaks.

Education efforts

Continuous educational campaigns help to support our efforts to keep the incidence of vector-borne diseases low and limit the impact of vector-borne diseases in Singapore. 

Enforcement

As a pre-emptive approach, NEA conducts regular inspections at residential and commercial premises to remove the breeding habitats of vectors and prevent the transmission of diseases. When lapses are found, fines or other penalties will be levied.

Research

We also conduct applied research (laboratory and field) to gain a better understanding of vector-borne diseases that pose a threat to Singapore, and to develop tools for risk intervention. These include:

• Geographic information system for tracking vector distribution
• Dynamics of vector populations in disease outbreaks
• Diagnostic tools for the detection of vector-borne diseases
• Biochemical tools for monitoring insecticide resistance
• Evaluation and resistance management of insecticides
• Epidemiological studies of diseases
• Evaluation of novel mosquito control tools such as the Wolbachia-Aedes male-based suppression approach for reducing the urban Aedes aegypti population

Read more for further information on the research work.

Registration of Vector Control Operators, Technicians, and Workers in the vector control industry

Only companies that are registered with NEA as Vector Control Operators (VCO) are allowed to be engaged to conduct any vector control treatment or activity. Employees of Vector Control Operators would have to be licensed as Vector Control Technicians (VCT) or Vector Control Workers (VCW) to carry out any vector control activity.

Information on the application requirements for the registration of VCOs, VCTs and VCWs can be found here.

A list of registered VCOs is available for download here.

A list of VCOs that are able to provide Vector Control Services on ships is available for download here.

A list of VCOs that are able to provide fumigation services is available for download here.

Registration of Control of Public Health Pesticides and Repellents against Vectors

Public health pesticides and repellent products intended for use against the five vectors (namely mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, rodents and rat fleas) have to be registered prior to sale in Singapore under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act. More information on the registration process is available here.

A list of the registered pesticides and repellent products is available for download here.