Illegal pest control firms put on notice

sharjah — The Hamriyah Municipality has implemented precautionary measures to prevent breeding of pests and insects that usually increase during the winter season.

The move has come as part of its community initiatives, which are currently being carried out with the aim of preserving public health through such measures.

Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, director of the municipality, said that the civic body is very keen to carry out an inspection campaign to ensure pest control measures in the city. “It’s one of the of the municipality’s seasonal campaigns to reduce insect breeding,” he added.

Municipal teams from the Public Health Control Department worked upon a systematic plan to spray safe and approved pesticides on gardens, houses and public places in addition to a number of government departments. The municipality used advanced methods to spray pesticides in buildings located on higher levels, roofs and open and wet places. Mohamed Sultan bin Hareb, head of the public health department at the Hamriya Municipality, stressed that the body is keen to preserve the environment and protect the city from harmful pests and insects.

He pointed out that the pest control department carries out campaigns and pest control through periodic programmes scheduled according to seasons and environmental requirements. These include programmes to control harmful insects and rodents as well as stray animal rehabilitation services.

Bin Hareb said that the increase of insects breeding would cause damage to crops, garden plants and buildings. The insects also spread diseases and cause damage to food items at home. “The municipality has recently launched an awareness programme to educate the public on safety measures and precautions when getting the pest control done,” he said.

He pointed out that the municipality has tracked down many unlicensed pest control firms that have been circulating flyers and advertisements. “Pest control companies are not allowed to use chemicals that have not been tested and approved by the authorities,” bin Hareb said, warning the residents against using the services of such illegal firms, which can be hazardous.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

The municipality has recently launched an awareness programme to educate the public on safety measures and precautions when getting pest control done,”

Mohamed Sultan bin Hareb, head of the public health department at the Hamriya Municipality