Singapore’s high humidity and frequent rainfall have created ideal breeding conditions for a familiar tropical nuisance: midges, commonly called sandflies.
These tiny, almost invisible insects thrive in warm, moist environments, particularly in coastal areas like the East Coast, where Tanah Merah Country Club (TMCC) is located. Recent unpredictable weather patterns have further exacerbated the issue, making sandflies control more critical than ever.
To tackle this, the Club has engaged the services of an entomologist from our pest control service provider since early August of 2024 to help manage and reduce their presence across the premises. With expert insight and close monitoring, most potential breeding grounds for sandflies have been identified, and targeted treatment is carried out regularly to suppress activity before it escalates.
“Eradicating sandflies in Singapore is highly unlikely and potentially impractical, but controlling their population to a manageable level is achievable. This is because sandflies have a wide range of possible breeding grounds, from larger areas such as water puddles, stagnant water in drains and bins, to smaller spaces like water trapped in cracks and crevices in the ground.” said Eileen Chan, entomologist at Ecospace Pest Management.
While sandflies are small, their bites can cause prolonged itching, swelling, and general discomfort. They tend to breed in shaded, vegetated, and sandy areas, exactly the kind of green, landscaped environment we enjoy at TMCC. Recognising this, our Housekeeping Team has stepped up and made increased efforts to stay ahead of the problem.
Here are some of the key measures the team has implemented to prevent and reduce sandfly occurrences across the Club:
- Ease of Access to Insect Repellents: Insect repellents are now conveniently available at the Golf Changing Rooms and the outdoor Golfers’ Terraces on both the Garden and Tampines Courses. This ensures Members and guests can protect themselves before heading out to the fairways – so please avail yourself for your own protection while ensuring that there is sufficient left for others.
- Regular Inspection: Weekly walkabouts are conducted at all areas of the clubhouse including F&B kitchens, sports complex, gym building, outdoor courts, terrace areas, driving range, restaurants, fairways, rain shelters, and all halfway houses. These inspections help identify and remove potential breeding sites before sandflies have a chance to evolve.
- Installation of Sandfly Traps: Traps have been installed in key areas where sandflies are known to breed, including around the Golfers’ Terraces and driving range. These help to actively monitor and reduce the adult sandfly population.
- Stepping Up Misting Treatment: Insecticide misting is now carried out before all indoor or outdoor events.
- Insecticide Thermal Fogging (ITF): Weekly thermal fogging is currently conducted twice every week on both courses have been intensified by prolonging these sessions. It commonly targets sandfly breeding zones and serves as an additional layer of control.
Together, these measures form a comprehensive and proactive response to sandfly management, all under the care of our dedicated Housekeeping Team. Their work, often unseen, ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone at TMCC.
While the Club is taking proactive measures to manage sandfly activity, Members are also advised to take additional precautions. This includes using the insect repellents provided and opting for longer, protective golf attire to cover exposed skin, particularly during peak sandfly activity at dawn and dusk.
The Club also encourages Members who are bitten to seek medical attention promptly to ensure proper care and to avoid complications.