flood pest nuisance hits city 6,835 homes fumigated in Jeddah JEDDAH - The efforts of the municipality in fumigating some 6,835 homes after November's floods notwithstanding, the menace of houseflies and mosquitoes stand out as a serious post-flood nuisance faced by residents of the Bride of the Red Sea. So serious and pervasive has this nuisance become that pest control units in the city are doing a brisk business with a 10-15 percent increase in their clientele these days. “We are receiving many enquiries regarding the subject and our clientele has increased by nearly 10 percent, although I expect it to grow further. The municipality, which has a pest control department, has taken immediate steps to solve this problem,” said Kora Joseph, pest control consultant at Massa pest extermination services. In addition to the flood and the ubiquitous pools of stagnant water dotting Jeddah, he identified the winter season, which is a “breeding season”, as the other main cause for the current increase in the number of mosquitoes and flies in the city. In the aftermath of the floods, the eastern and southern parts of the city have been plagued with accumulated garbage in alleys covered with rainwater and overflowing septic tanks, providing the perfect conditions for the breeding of mosquitoes and flies, which pose an imminent threat to the health of those living in nearby residential units. “This is a community problem, a big concern,” said Rey Faderogaya, technical branch manager at Masa Establishment for Pest Extermination Services, which also reported a 10 to 15 percent post-flood increase in its clientele. “We as private companies are only interested in our clients. Even then, the problem doesn't end with just spraying the client's place. Flies and mosquitoes can reenter fumigated premises from the neighborhood. The government and the municipality must have a widespread campaign to eradicate pests,” he said. While agreeing that the effectiveness of spraying to control pests can be at best limited, Joseph said doing so will at least prevent the breeding of more pests. “People can protect their indoor premises. Outdoor areas are very hard to control due to wind, etc.,” he said. The Jeddah municipality sprayed around 6,835 homes after the floods, Jeddah News, a municipality publication recently quoted Mahmoud Bin Muhammad Wali Kinsara, assistant undersecretary for services and the supervisor of the crisis management department at the Jeddah Mayoralty, as saying. He said a new scientific, moderate technique of spraying along with safe chemicals is being used in the campaign aimed at protecting the environment from dengue fever and that it is being conducted by the Ministry of Health and the Jeddah Mayoralty. Recent reports estimate at least ten recorded cases of dengue fever since the devastating floods. However, Joseph said the infection rate of diseases, such as, malaria and dengue, has declined in recent years because there is increased public awareness, which is due to “(campaigns by) the government and the media”. Pest control, though a larger societal concern, can be tackled and minimized at the individual level. “A little effort by the homeowner or building occupants can minimize the problem. For example, receptacles containing water, such as, flowerpots, barrels, metal cans, etc., should be emptied or discarded. In the kitchen, ensure that there is no scattered food as otherwise its odor will attract flies, roaches, etc. Bathrooms must be cleaned once a week with liquid antiseptics. Leaking plumbing, refrigerators and air conditioners can cause pools of water in which mosquitoes can breed. Homeowners should inspect their premises frequently. Tubs in which water is stored must be tightly covered. Flat roofs need to be examined for standing water,” explained Joseph, adding that the house owner should talk to neighbors and local government officials regarding ways to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Faderogaya said pest control charges vary according to the size of the premises that is to be treated and the choice of the pesticide used. On average, spraying a small villa and an apartment may cost SR1000 and SR800-SR900, respectively. Though not recommended, some resort to using chemicals that are easily available in the market to treat pests. This can be dangerous with a history of deaths reported due to the careless use of such chemicals. However, a few precautions will go a long way in ensuring the safe usage of such materials. “Read the label first and follow the instructions carefully. Wear suitable protective clothing when handling the product (face shield and gloves). Ventilate treated areas thoroughly after spraying. Wash chemicals from skin or eyes immediately with plenty of water. Wash hands before eating or smoking. Do not spray the moving parts of any machinery. Remove heavily contaminated clothing immediately and wash before reuse. Protect food, food preparing equipment and eating utensils from contamination during the application, and last but not the least, keep chemicals out of the reach of children,” advised Joseph, adding that after use, the pesticide must be kept in its original container, tightly closed, and in a safe place, while safely disposing of the used container. He said regular pest ad insect killer products are “effective for a short term only and do not have any residual effect”.
