The demand for pest control services has increased in the past few weeks in Doha with the proliferation of cockroaches in some residential and commercial buildings, according to officials of companies providing such services.
With the weather getting hotter, cockroaches have started appearing in buildings across the city, they say. Speaking to Gulf Times, a supervisor at a pest control firm said they have been receiving a lot of calls from residents in different areas to use their services.
He stressed that cockroaches are a huge problem not only in households but also in business establishments and usually multiply rapidly during the hot season.
“Such pests can be seen in the winter also but their numbers are higher in the summer,” the supervisor said, adding: “Regular customers have been calling us again and we are also getting calls from new customers living in different areas.”
He said cockroaches need not be found only in old buildings, stressing that cleanliness and hygiene habits play a big role. “It all depends on how one lives, cleans the kitchen, different rooms among others,” he added.
“It surely does not mean that if a building is new, it is free of pests.”
Citing the increasing number of pest control companies in the country, the supervisor advised residents to choose one carefully - taking into consideration factors such as the quality of service provided and use of advanced, safe technology and latest equipment.
A good company, he added, uses the “most environmentally desirable and professionally approved” pesticides.
While there is a lot of competition in terms of quantity, he noted that it is not so much in terms of quality.
A manager of another pest control firm in Doha echoed this view, saying some companies offer cheaper rates but fail to completely get rid of cockroaches, termites, bed bugs and rats.
He said many customers, occupying both residential and business establishments, prefer companies that have well-trained and experienced staff and render quality and reliable services.
“Safety is another factor as many people are aware of the possible health consequences of using unsafe insect killers,” he noted.
The manager also advised residents to seek professional help in dealing with cockroaches and termites instead of buying insect killers from stores as this may prove detrimental to their health. It is also learnt that some products sold at supermarkets may be odourless and supposedly safe but actually fail to meet customers' expectations.
He said pests should not be ignored as they bring germs, which could cause various illnesses. “It is very irritating, they stick to kitchen utensils, plates, glasses and food containers, which we sometimes forget to wash,” he added.
Cockroaches proliferate during summer
