Pests: prevention and what to do

Cockroaches, mice and bedbugs are common in shared buildings anywhere in the world. Most problems can be prevented, the rest should be reported quickly, and in the UAE the biggest danger is not the pest but unsafe pesticides.

Prevention habits

• Keep bins sealed and do not leave food or waste exposed (Shelter). Take rubbish out regularly, especially in GCC heat.
• Store dry food such as rice, flour, cereal and dates in sealed containers, and wipe crumbs and spills the same day.
• Ask your landlord to block holes in brickwork, skirting boards and floorboards, and gaps around pipes (Tower Hamlets Council).
• Check second-hand furniture carefully before bringing it in, and check luggage and clothes after staying somewhere bedbugs were present (NHS).

Spotting and dealing with bedbugs

• Signs include itchy bites, often in a line or group on skin exposed while sleeping; spots of blood on bedding; and small brown spots (droppings) on bedding or furniture. Adults are around 5mm long (NHS).
• Wash affected bedding and clothes on a hot wash (60C) and tumble dry on a hot setting for at least 30 minutes (NHS).
• Items you cannot wash can go in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer for 2 to 3 weeks (NHS).
• The NHS says it is very difficult to get rid of bedbugs yourself, so contact your local council or a pest control service, and tell your landlord or halls.

Who is responsible (England)

• Shelter says your landlord must deal with an infestation caused by a repair they must fix, and should resolve pests that were already there when you moved in.
• Citizens Advice says you might be responsible if the infestation was caused by something you did or failed to do, such as poor rubbish disposal attracting rats.
• If the landlord is responsible, they should arrange and pay for pest control. Do not stop paying rent (Shelter).
• If the landlord does not act, the council's environmental health team can inspect and may tell the landlord to fix the problem (Shelter, Citizens Advice).

Reporting a pest problem

• Tell your landlord or building management as soon as you notice it (Shelter), including any repairs needed, health effects and damaged belongings.
• Tower Hamlets Council advises following up any call or text in writing, keeping records of all messages and noting the date and time of calls.
• Take dated photos of droppings, insects or damage, and keep any receipts for things you had to throw away.
• In shared buildings, pests travel between flats, so report problems in hallways and bin rooms to management too.

Pest control in the UAE: safety first

• Khaleej Times (2017) reported that Dubai requires pest control contractors to be approved by Dubai Municipality's public health pest control section, and that residents are urged not to do pest control themselves with chemicals sold by individuals.
• Aluminium phosphide, known locally as 'bomb', is banned for home use. Abu Dhabi's waste management centre (Tadweer) warned in 2018 that it is lethal in residential buildings and can poison neighbours through shared air-conditioning.
• Before letting a company in, check its licence and the technician's ID, and confirm it is listed by the relevant municipality or authority (Gulf News, 2018).
• If you suspect pesticide poisoning in your building (for example sudden vomiting or breathing problems), open the doors, get to fresh air and call an ambulance on 998 (Khaleej Times; UAE Government portal for the number).