Dubai: Illegal pest control measures could be fatal, officials have warned, advising residents to stay away from them.
Residents must make sure they only seek the services of pest control companies registered with the Dubai Municipality and no one else, Mohammad Motahar Hussain, pest management specialist at the municipality said Tuesday.
There are about 100 registered companies which are licensed by the Dubai Economic Department and they are monitored regularly, he said.
The call comes as K.M. Suresh, a 26-year-old Indian, was killed and another was hospitalised in a suspected case of pesticide poisoning a few days ago in the Naif area of Deira.
Autopsy
Dubai police officials said the actual cause of death was not yet confirmed, as an autopsy report was awaited. The incident took place after those living in the neighbouring apartment sprayed pesticide and forgot to close their window which opens onto the apartment of the victims, who were sleeping, the police said.
Dubai Municipality's pest control inspectors are working with the police to find out if the pesticides were linked to the death, Hussain said. "It is important for people not to engage someone because they have seen a flyer or an advertisement, because there are firms like cleaning companies that offer pest control services illegally."
Phosphine
These could be potentially dangerous, he added. For instance, phosphine tablets used to kill bedbugs could be fatal if they are used without proper safety measures.
"People should demand to see the identity cards, which are issued by the municipality to registered firms," he said. Those who come across people who don't have cards must report the matter to the authorities immediately. Companies which violate the rules are fined based on the severity of the violation and whether or not they are repeat offenders. The list of registered companies can be obtained from the municipality by mail or fax.
"There are about 20 companies that we did not register as they did not comply with our regulations," said Hussain. Several residents said that unauthorised pest control services are easily available.
"I make it a point to hire a professional firm. They might cost a bit more but are safe and reliable," said Chandra Manian, adding that anyone who chooses the illegal way is risking their life.
Fatalities: paying the price
June 5, 2010:
An Indian woman, 23, and a Nepalese man, 28, died after inhaling the toxic gas phosphine in the pesticide that was sprayed at a workers' accommodation in Abu Shagara, Sharjah.
March 27, 2010:
Two infants died after inhaling pesticide fumes when the neighbour sprayed his apartment with pesticide in Ajman.
June 13, 2008:
An Indian man, 23, died after inhaling pesticide used to fumigate his apartment in Abu Dhabi.
Information
Residents can check the authenticity of a pest control company by calling the Public Health Pest Control Department of the Dubai Municipality at 04-3474448.
