Abu Dhabi residents told to report untrained pest controllers to Tadweer

ABU DHABI // Residents who say they feel cheated after using the services of untrained pest controllers have been asked to report the companies to authorities.

The Centre of Waste Management, Tadweer, said it will take action against offenders.

It said: “The illegal pest control companies are not supposed to conduct the work. In case they are found, a notification about practice of illegal pest control companies [can be put up], the cases will be reported to the police and Department of Economic Developments.”

Earlier this month, The National reported on residents claims that pest control staff, who used ineffective chemicals and were unaware of safety standards, were constantly touting for business near their homes.

Mohamed Mahmood Al Marzooqi, pest control projects department director at Tadweer urged residents not to allow a pest controller to carry out the services until he had shown a company ID card from a recognised business.

If they fail to produce it avoid taking their services and report to the centre, he said.

Kamaloddin Khan, a Pakistani resident, was pleased that the issue has been highlighted as he had been cheated by a purported pest controller in the past.

“They are always in a hurry and spray chemicals very quickly without realising that there are utensils and food items around and then leave,” Mr Khan said.

He said the companies often leave flyers around to advertise their services “but they all appear to be very cheap and services are pathetic”, he added.

Mr Al Marzooqi said: “There are 91 pest-control companies registered in Abu Dhabi and the centre is working with the National Media Council to prevent non-authorised companies from advertising, by requiring businesses to present their licence before they run adverts.”

He said, the residents must ensure that the company they deal with is licensed by Tadweer before they get the services.

This would ensure that the companies are only using pesticides approved by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment that are not toxic to humans.

If controllers do use banned substances they could face combined action will be taken by the MoCCE, Tadweer, the municipality and the police.

Mr Al Marzooqi said the centre had not come across any illegal pest control companies in past two years and no incidents of deaths from pesticides have been reported in Abu Dhabi.

Complaints about pest control companies can be made on 800 555 or online at tadweer.ae

Before using the services of a pest control company, residents can check here if the company is listed.