Mosquitoes, flies, rodents most common pests in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - Random dumping of construction waste, used tyres and scrapes that creates a breeding ground for pests and stray animals.

Intensive pest control measures are being implemented across construction sites in Abu Dhabi to curb mosquitoes, flies and rodents.
The Pest Control Projects Department at Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) has also launched an awareness campaign targeting real estate contractors, consultants, and developers in the emirate.
"Our latest pest control drive covered 559 construction sites in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. A total of 216 sites were affected by pests - 102 sites infested by rodents (18 per cent), 122 sites infested by mosquitoes (22 per cent) and 99 sites infested by flies (17 per cent)," said Mohammed Al Marzouqi, pest control projects director at Tadweer.
Tadweer inspected 50 construction sites in Abu Dhabi mainland and found 14 per cent of them infested by pests. "Mosquitoes accounted for 43 per cent of the infestation, rodents 34 per cent and flies 32 per cent," he said.
In Al Ain, 34 per cent of sites surveyed by Tadweer were infested by mosquitoes, 10 per cent by rodents, and 11 per cent by flies. "Of the 263 sites inspected in Al Ain, 71 sites were found infested, with an infestation rate of 27 per cent in the northern sector. In the southern sector of the city, Tadweer inspected 50 sites and found 10 sites infested, representing an infestation rate of 20 per cent," said Al Marzouqi.
In Al Dhafra region, 57 sites were inspected, and 16 sites were found infested, registering an infestation rate of 28 per cent. "Sixteen per cent of the sites were infested by mosquitoes, seven per cent by rodents, and five per cent by flies," he added.
Potential pest infestation risks at construction sites
Tadweer reiterated the need to take all necessary precautions to prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes, flies and rodents. This can be done by ensuring that sewage tanks, water tanks, and water bodies are tightly covered and the leakage of sewage pipes, untreated water bodies, and food waste are timely prevented.
It also warned that random dumping of construction waste, used tyres and scrapes that creates a breeding ground for pests and stray animals such as cats, dogs, among others.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi