Rodent population drops in Dubai
More traps and less food left outside means rodents have no reason to stay
Dubai: Rodent infestation rates are falling in Dubai, dropping by more than half in the last four years, a senior official said.
Only eight per cent of buildings have a rodent problem, compared with 20 per cent in 2010, Yousuf Al Suwaidi, from Dubai Municipality, said.
The senior public health disease protection officer added the improvement is down to tighter rodent control and greater public awareness on hygiene at home, restaurants, food markets, and workplaces.
He said the target for 2015 is to further reduce infestation to six per cent.
On average, the municipality catches around 250 rodents a month with cage and glue traps. An unknown number also die after eating poisoned bait.
The figures don’t include private pest control measures, meaning actual infestation rates may be even lower, Al Suwaidi said.
The municipality’s public health pest control section has increased surveys of buildings and set up more rodent traps and rodenticide stations. Warnings, follow ups, and fines to establishments falling short of standards have also helped keep rates down, Al Suwaidi added.
Fines start at Dh400 and double for each repeat violation. Offenders normally remedy the situation “within two or three fines”.
All restaurants and buildings are required to have a pest control maintenance contract and there are some 150 municipality-approved operators in Dubai.
Officials also go undercover and pose as customers of pest control companies. “When they show up, we say who we are and check their job cards, documents, chemicals and professional background,” Al Suwaidi said.
“Even if there’s no complaint, we go and check for rodents — rats and mice. We have targets and monthly programmes. The public is also more aware now, they try to keep a clean place,” he added.
“Food waste is the main problem. No food means no rodents. Rats will eat anything — fresh food, rotten food, soap, pipes, tyres and plastic.”
Al Suwaidi said if leftover food is properly disposed of in sealed garbage bags, rats will have no reason to stay. He also recommended sealing cracks, holes or gaps in walls, windows and doors to keep rodents out.
“Rodents are very smart. They have a leader and they follow what it says. If it signals the bait is poisoned, others will not eat it. So we make it nice for them – even chocolate flavoured – and it kills them off after a few days.
“There was also a case where one rat was keeping open the trap door to let another one in and eat the bait. Then the second one kept the door open; they were taking turns.”
The senior official said residents can call the municipality on 800900 for any rodent problem.
