I remember when I was still studying in Commonwealth Secondary School, the midges situation at Pandan Reservoir would happen every year.
Yes, every year.
Sometimes, we would spot them in school too.
Apparently, it got worse as it has been affecting the neighbourhoods and even coffee shops at Teban Gardens.
Sounds terrible, right?
Now, before anything…
What Are Midges and Why Are They An Issue?
I’m glad you asked. Midges are small insects that are commonly mistaken for mosquitoes. They exist in and near water bodies, hence they are commonly found in reservoirs.
There are approximately 57 species of non-biting midges in Singapore’s reservoirs. However, according to the Minister for Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli, the current dominant species at Pandan Reservoir is a rare one that has not been studied in great detail.
Another fact to take note is that midges cannot be eradicated as they are part of the natural aquatic ecosystem. They would usually emerge to breed when aided by favourable environmental conditions.
Hence, this results in the issue that is happening at Pandan Reservoir now. There are swarms of midges everywhere. You can see it for yourself below.
Not really a pleasant sight, am I right?
PUB Releases Fish In Pandan Reservoir To Fight Midges
In hopes to control the midge pupae population, national water agency Public Utilities Board (PUB) has released thousands of fish into the Pandan Reservoir as their latest measure.
According to PUB, the release of guppies, mollies, and swordtails was done in a controlled manner to maintain a balance in the ecosystem.
Besides releasing fishes, insect nets have also been installed at bus stops along Penjuru Road and West Coast Road. The nets are laced with permethrin, an insecticide used in PUB’s fogging operations. It is non-toxic to humans, so don’t worry about it.
Apart from these measures, PUB has also stepped up to control the rising midge population in other ways. These include putting more biological liquid larvicide within the reservoir, fogging and misting around the reservoir dyke, as well as installing bright spotlights at Pandan Reservoir pumping station.
This is to attract adult midges at night and prevent them from flying into residential areas.
It sounds like a whole lot of work to do just to deal with this midge issue.
Hopefully, PUB’s latest measure of releasing fish into the reservoir would be a saving grace to this situation!
Here’s a simplified summary of the South Korea martial law that even a 5-year-old would understand:
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