October 04, 2019, 11:17 PM
HDB blocks 170, 171 and 172 in Bukit Batok Avenue 8 have been experiencing an outbreak of tiny black bugs.
The town council has urged residents to close their windows and switch off the lights at night to avoid attracting the black bugs.
According to Chinese daily Lianhe Wanbao, these tiny bugs are a nuisance to the residents.They can be found on bed sheets and bottles, as well as on the residents' bodies.
Not the first time
This is not the first time such a phenomenon has been witnessed by residents.
Thousands of such bugs swamped residents living in the same three blocks in 2015.
There has been no explanation for the resurgence of these bugs, identified as Ataenius australasiae.
They are supposedly harmless and do not bite as they do not have chewing mouth parts.
Image by Foo Maosheng via BOS.
The critters are grain-sized, about 5mm in size, and feed on decaying plant matter.
Photo by STOMP, taken in 2015.
The irritation that a person experiences is likely due to the bugs' legs.
Their legs cling onto one's skin, causing one to itch.
Back then, a researcher at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum said that environmental factors is likely the trigger for such an outbreak.
According to The Straits Times, measures have been taken by the town council.
For example, a light trap has been added to divert the bugs away from the affected blocks.
The town council has also contacted the National Parks Board (NParks) and Housing Development Board (HDB) to check if there are breeding areas in the vicinity.
Top photo collage from Bukit Batok Zone 6 RC Facebook and BOS
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.