Abstract
A survey of structure-invading pest ants was conducted at 17 healthcare facilities (HFs) in Singapore using the index card method. A total of 18 species (Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith), Meranoplus sp., Monomorium destructor ( Jerdon), Monomorium floricola ( Jerdon), Monomorium pharaonis (L.), Monomorium sp., Odontomachus sp., Oecophylla smaragdina (F.), Pachycondyla sp., Paratrechina bourbonica (Forel), Paratrechina longicornis (Latreille), Paratrechina pubens (Forel), Pheidole megacephala (F.), Pheidole parva (Mayr), Pheidole sp., Tapinoma indicum (Forel), Tapinoma melanocephalum (F.) andTetramorium bicarinatum (Nylander)) were trapped. Of these, the most common species were P. parva (25.9%), P. megacephala (25.2%), P. longicornis (14.1%), M. pharaonis (9.6%), and T. indicum (8.1%). Most of these ant species were found in and around the premises.
Highlights
Singapore has a world-class healthcare system that was ranked sixth best in the world and the best in Asia by the World Health Organization in 2000
healthcare facilities (HFs) provides an ideal environment in which pests can thrive (Murphy & Oldbury 1996)
In the process of eliminating pests, patients may be exposed to unforeseen pesticide risks that may not be diagnosed (Owens 2003)
Summary
Singapore has a world-class healthcare system that was ranked sixth best in the world and the best in Asia by the World Health Organization in 2000. As Asia’s leading medical hub, healthcare facilities (HFs) in Singapore emphasize excellence, safety, and trustworthiness (Lim 2004). This means that the public’s expectations of quality service are high, and this includes low tolerance of pests within the premises. Sociobiology Vol 59, No 1, 2012 dows, ceilings, wall cracks, and gaps around plumbing and pipes. They can hitchhike in commercial deliveries and patient’s clothing. Compared to other types of premises, HFs are sensitive environments because they house patients with compromised health. In the process of eliminating pests, patients may be exposed to unforeseen pesticide risks that may not be diagnosed (Owens 2003)
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