Residents of a 25-story housing block in Singapore's Jalan Besar district are battling a severe mosquito infestation that has disrupted sleep for months.
At Block 642 Rowell Road, residents report nightly swarms of mosquitoes, despite using repellents, traps, and netting. The National Environment Agency found seven breeding sites at the block from April 2 to 9.
NEA identified both Aedes and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, with Culex breeding more profusely. The agency has flushed drains and will take enforcement action against the premises owner.
Culex mosquitoes, primarily night-biters, have surged 55% islandwide due to weather conditions. Over 2,000 breeding habitats were detected in the first 15 weeks of 2026.
Resident Mdm Sabrina Sow described an “onslaught of mosquitoes” nearly every night for two months, with her family killing up to 80 mosquitoes per night. Her family sleeps with windows shut, creating extreme heat.
Project Wolbachia, which releases male Wolbachia-carrying Aedes mosquitoes to reduce dengue risk, was expanded to the Little India area-including Rowell Road-on April 21. The project has reduced Aedes populations by 80-90% in release areas.
NEA attributes the Culex spike to prolonged hot weather interspersed with thundershowers, which creates stagnant water and accelerates mosquito development.
Residents across multiple floors report similar problems. A lower-floor resident, Ms Lim, said her three-year-old daughter has bite marks across her face and limbs.
Local MP Denise Phua said the issue is of serious concern. The Jalan Besar Town Council has intensified drain clearing and larvicide use.
As of April 29, residents report improvement after a blocked drain was cleared.