Yishun resident beset by mosquitoes catches 10 a day, turns to NEA for help: 'I'm really at wit's end'
A Yishun resident is at his wit's end because of mosquitoes.
Stomper Johnson, who lives on the second storey of Block 787 Yishun Ring Road, shared a video of the insects in a plastic bag and flying around a swivel chair.
He said: "Every day I can catch over 10 of these blood suckers. I have shared this with my MP and the National Environment Agency (NEA) but to no avail."
The resident believed that the release of the Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes in his area was partly to blame and had requested that NEA release them away from his home.
NEA replied in a Nov 20 email: "NEA had taken a calibrated approach to release the Wolbachia mosquitoes at Block 787 Yishun Ring Road away from your unit and had continued to do so since Nov 4.
"In view of your latest feedback, we are reviewing to further adjust the releases at Block 787 Yishun Ring Road, to minimise the number of mosquitoes entering your home."
The agency added: "We wish to inform that the male Wolbachia Aedes mosquitoes are released to complement source reduction efforts to suppress the Aedes aegypti mosquito population and they do not bite nor transmit disease. We wish to clarify that NEA only releases male Wolbachia-Aedes mosquitoes.
"Notwithstanding, as a precautionary measure, our officers have inspected your block and its surrounding vicinity on Nov 19 to check for and remove potential sources of mosquito breeding, with their checks covering the common areas and residential units.
"While they did not find breeding in the course of their checks, they have advised the community and stakeholders to remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sources and conduct regular housekeeping checks within areas under their charge."
'It is very, very disruptive'
The Stomper replied to NEA on Nov 21 that more should be done.
"Your team has checked my house and found nothing that breeds mosquitoes," wrote the resident, who had tried using a mosquito coil and citronella to repel the pests.
"It is very, very disruptive, be it trying to catch them or preventing them from biting me.
"It is still irritating even for males who don't bite to the extent I don't even want to stay in my own living room. I am really at wit's end.
"This is causing a lot of stress for myself and my family. I'm sorry I cannot allow NEA to close this case because, as you can obviously see, the issue still remains."
'This is the last straw'
He told Stomp that he had called the town council once and NEA three times.
"They came and checked thrice too. They found no breeding of mosquitoes in my house. Yet every day, I'm plagued with them," griped the Stomper.
"At my block downstairs, there's a PUB project to be completed in 2028. Could it be the cause of the mosquitoes? I don't know. I have a 14-year-old at home.
"This is the last straw. It's affecting my life."
After Stomp contacted NEA for more info, the Stomper updated: "The construction company for the PUB works under my block called me in response to NEA and your enquiry.
"They are responding and I'm glad, but I still need to know what solutions they have."
