24 firms fined for flouting pest control procedures

Local pest control officers fined 24 companies for failing to follow adequate procedures last month.

Dubai Municipality's pest control section also issued notices to another 126 businesses and warning letters to 108, after routine inspections. The inspections were part of a series of measures taken by the section to maintain public health and prevent disease in the emirate.

A municipality official said all companies - from food shops to construction companies - have to comply with general cleanliness standards and must be free from pests that are harmful to human health.

To detect the entry of insects into Dubai through seaports, airports and bird sanctuaries, scientists from the pest control section have conducted regular monitoring exercises.