Earlier this year, it was reported that pesticides used in a UAE family led to the destruction of a child at home.
The Khaleej Times reported that the child – who was under three years old – inhaled the toxic chemicals found in an unlicensed pesticide company in Abu Dhabi.
The company, which had been contracted to provide cleaning and pest control services at home, was found to be ineligible for these permits.
“Police have investigated the matter after a health report revealed that the child had been killed by harmful chemical fumes, and a police investigation has suggested that the cause of death […] was […] chemical poisoning due to the use of pesticides in his house,” the report added.
Highlighting the law
The Abu Dhabi incident reiterates the role of the law in ensuring that pest control services are delivered safely. As a result, pest control companies in the UAE are now working hard to ensure that their performance does not have a negative impact on the environment of the end user.
Speaking last December – while participating in the 2016 fmME Power List – Mohammad Othman, managing director of Engineering Techniques Services (ETS), said the company would increase its spending in 2017.
ETS will bring pest control and bird control services to Dubai airports this year. The UAE, Oman and Qatar are among the largest regional markets for ETS, Othman told fmME, adding that the expansion of the Sultanate is an important opportunity for the company.
Commenting on the sustainability and safety of the company, Othman added: “Given the nature of our business, our most important social responsibility is to provide environmentally friendly services. This includes the promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control measures. ”
Commenting on the emergence of the pest control sector, Louise McKay, general manager of Rentokil Initial, said as part of her appointment to the 2016 fmME Power List that sustainability would provide opportunities for growth in the sector.
He added: “Integrated pest management (IPM) is our most effective and environmentally friendly approach to pest management relying on a combination of sophisticated methods.
“IPM systems use current and comprehensive information about the life cycles of insects and their interactions with the environment.
“This information, combined with [conventional] pest control measures, is used to treat pest damage in a highly economical and minimally harmful manner to humans, property, and the environment,” Mackay continued.
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Currently, pest control companies operating in Abu Dhabi must be registered with the Center for Waste Management (Tadweer) and the Department of Economic Development. Those in Sharjah, meanwhile, must be registered with the emirate municipality.
Apart from Dubai, all pesticides used must comply with the technical and health and safety requirements of the Dubai Municipality.
The country’s Department of Environment and Water Affairs issued a resolution in 2016 stating that “we prohibit the distribution of any pesticide without proper registration with the Minister”.
The Khaleej Times reported: “According to the new decision, banned pesticides cannot be registered or imported, while companies are banned from using pesticides without a service permit.”
Global growth
A report titled Top 5 Vendors in the Pest Control Services Market from 2017 to 2021 by Technavio states that high levels of cleanliness and integration with the acquisition function increase the need for pest control services in other global markets.
The report lists Anticimex, Ecolab, Rentokil Initial, Rollins, and Ambius as the top five players in the world.
It adds: “The influx of large retailers to emerging markets has increased awareness of the type and quality of services offered, which has led to the demand for new customers.”
