Mold, mosquitoes at home after UAE rains? Here’s what you can do
Quick tips to deal with possible fungus, pest menace in moist areas
Dubai: Mold growth following rains can become an issue of huge concern if it is not dealt with promptly, a pest control expert has cautioned.
Providing tips to tackle the problem, Dinesh Ramachandran, Technical & Safety, Health and Environment Manager at Rentokil Boecker, said, “Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist environments. Their occurence is quite common after heavy rains. Since they reproduce rapidly in warm and humid environments, they can result in an infestation if they are not duly tackled with.”
Providing some quick tips to address the issue, he said, “Affected areas should be dried out as soon as possible. Use fans, dehumidifiers and open windows to enable airflow and let sunlight in. Mold may cause allergies and asthma, so one must check their growth.”
He said any items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried such as soggy carpets and furniture should be discarded.
“Also, clean flood-exposed surfaces with soapy water to remove any contaminants, then disinfect to kill the mold and bacteria.”
He said residents should also closely check for any cracks or leaks in the foundation, walls or the roof and seal them to prevent entry of water and thereby, reduce mold risk.
Dealing with mosquitoes
Ramachandran said mosquitoes can also be a menace after rains due to stagnant water. “Floods might disrupt natural nesting areas of rodents like rats amd mice. Other pests such as spiders and cockroaches may enter homes and buildings if their habitats are disrupted. As such, one must be aware and check for any signs.
As Dubai Municipality regularly reminds residents on the social media, it has a clear set of guidelines to tackle the proliferation of mosquitoes following rainfall.
Mosquitoes tend to proliferate in homes, posing a health risk, it has stated.
Removal of standing water is the first step. Water leaks from taps, plant watering systems and water coolers must be duly addressed, just as water accumulation from air conditioners. All possible breeding grounds for mosquites like containers and old tyres that can hold water must be discarded.
Checking window screens for any damages is also good practice.
“To limit the spread of these insects, follow the correct practices and procedures offered by Dubai Municipality and request for pest control service via WhatsApp 800900 or Dubai Municipality’s app,” the civic body has said.
How to prevent mold, mosquito infestation
Seal cracks and holes
Dry out moist areas
Keep your house clean
Throw out things that can’t be thoroughly cleaned or dried
Regularly clear garbage
Clean spills and crumbs
Eliminate sources of standing water
If problem persists, call municipality or authorised pest control services