Drones to check mosquito breeding grounds in Singapore

Following an unusually large number of dengue fever cases being reported since the beginning of the year, the National Environment Agency in Singapore is testing the use of drones to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds such as roof gutters. The drones can also be equipped to disperse larvicide to kill mosquito larvae. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is also testing a drone, called Water Spider, for emergency situations such as an oil spill or search-and-rescue incident.

The next time you hear buzzing outside your window during dengue season, it may not be the mosquitoes making the noise, but a drone sent by the authorities to survey and eradicate them instead.

Drones are set to become an increasingly common sight here as government agencies adopt the technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations.

The National Environment Agency (NEA), for example, has been testing the use of drones to check roof gutters, which are potential mosquito breeding sites if they are choked with leaves or debris.

These gutters are often located high on the facade of buildings, which can make accessing them difficult for NEA officers performing inspections.