Residents battle mosquitoes and other flying pests after dry spring
A dry spring with almost no rainfall coincided with the arrival of mosquitoes, flies and bugs in parts of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Residents said swarms gathered on balconies and in gardens as temperatures increased above 30ºC in recent weeks.
People living in built-up districts, particularly places with canals, lakes and vast green areas, said the insects were a nuisance.
Pest control experts said mosquitoes tended to gather near large pools of standing water and bred at a rapid pace.
“Mosquitoes generally breed wherever a suitable water source is present,” said Dinesh Ramachandran, health and safety manager at Rentokil.
“The water source can be as large as a lake or as small as a pan collecting water.”
After reviewing images sent to The National by readers, Mr Ramachandran said the swarms of insects appeared to be “non-biting midges” that were a pest.
“They look almost like mosquitoes, but do not have biting mouthparts,” he said.
They breed in water and swarms can comprise millions of the insects.
“Their lifespan is very short and after emerging they swarm, get attracted to a light source and rest on wall surfaces,” Mr Ramachandran said.
He said the insects and mosquitoes and midges were adaptable and “emergence largely depends on external environmental factors” such as water temperature, oxygen supply and chemical composition.
Rentokil has not recorded a surge in complaints about pests this month, but Mr Ramachandran said reports often come from residents in areas with water sources.
Recently, the company was in talks with staff at a golf course in Dubai after reports of an increase of midges breeding in nearby lakes.
Dubai resident Tanuj Damani has been living in a building near the canal in Dubai Sports City for several years and is no stranger to pests.
He could be set for some respite when he moves from the area in two weeks.
“Thankfully my apartment isn’t as affected this time around but I was sitting at one of the restaurants on the promenade last week and it was unbearable,” he said.
“There were too many insects and we still get tiny flies in our house, daily.”
Mr Damani, who works in the technology sector, said he discussed the issue with his building’s management several times and they suggested fogging and contacting pest control.
In The Greens, one resident said there were swarms of midges on his balcony.
He has been living in his apartment for three years and this is the first time he has dealt with the issue.
Emaar Properties is helping him to tackle the problem, he said.
“We have been in The Greens for six years. There is a lake here and lots of greenery, that’s why we like it,” he said.
“For three years we have been living next to the water but never had this problem until about a month ago.
“Emaar is doing its best to help for now and they will spray our balcony again so I can’t fault them, but we can’t open the doors or windows for now.
“I’m not sure what changed to bring them around like this.”