Beware, illegal pest control could cause even deaths

Sharjah — In a bid to prevent deaths and serious illnesses caused by the inhalation of banned pesticides used by unauthorised pest control companies, the Sharjah Municipality has finished pasting 1,213 awareness stickers in residential buildings to educate residents about its potential dangers.

Jaffar Ali Jaffar, head of environment services, said the stickers carry instructions in Arabic, English and Urdu.

The municipality also instructed watchmen and security guards in all buildings to not allow entry to any company that is not on the list of approved pest control companies. The watchmen were provided with the list and all information to help residents who need such services. He said the illegal and fake companies that throw flyers underneath the doors of flats are using dangerous chemicals or ineffective materials.

The municipality recently received a number of complaints about the companies that charge significant amounts of money and use ineffective pesticides that increase the insects instead of curbing them.

Heads of families must understand that illegal usage of pesticides can cause the loss of life and serious illnesses.

“Strict measures have been initiated after several residents expressed concern over the safety of chemicals used by firms that offer pest control services, following a series of deaths and hospitalisation of people who inhaled the poisonous chemicals.

“There had been many cases that were reported in 2014 and 2013, but the number reduced in 2015 due to the awareness campaigns the municipality carried out,” Jaffar said.

The list of approved pest control companies is available on the municipality’s website. The list also includes information and comprehensive details about all approved companies. The municipality’s hotline number 993 receives any complaints and queries about pest control services.

Jaffar stressed that the municipality is monitoring the pest control companies and ensures that they employ professional staff to present the services based on best practices being implemented in the country. “Residents must ensure that the company they deal with is licensed by the municipality before they get the services,” he said.

Jaffar said the municipality has identified many unlicensed firms that were circulating flyers and advertisements and referred them to the authorities concerned.