Dubai is intensifying its efforts to control its mosquito population across its various hotspots. The cutting-edge metropolis is the hub of stunning progress, ambition, and luxury, but mosquitos—the age-old nuisance—thrive continuously. Amidst the city’s rapidly transitioning weather, artificial water features, and sprawling city landscapes, the mosquito problem in Dubai has turned into a year-round menace.
Mosquitoes may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they pose a serious threat to public health as they carry diseases like malaria, West Nile virus, dengue, filaria, and elephantiasis. With the right strategies, one can significantly reduce their persistence.
In this blog, we will explore the root of Dubai’s mosquito problem, identify the most common mosquito variants, and learn about six scientifically backed hacks to keep pests away. Let’s read ahead.
The Nature of Mosquito Problems in Dubai
In this section, we will be covering the various factors that have intensified the mosquito problems in Dubai:
Artificial sources of water
In the desert’s climatic conditions, stagnant water provides a thriving space for mosquitoes. Right from fountains of luxury villas to water drip trays of ACs in high-rises, standing water for more than 3 days poses a flourishing hotspot for mosquito breeding. Some typical mosquito breeding hotspots are:
- Discarded tires and containers
- Blocked drainage systems
- Plant trays and birdbaths
- Water tanks on the roof
Even a tiny water-filled bottle cap can be a potent mosquito breeding spot.
The changing climate of Dubai
Dubai’s climate is dynamic. Traditionally, it is supposed to be dry, but recently, the city has been experiencing unexpected humidity, sudden spells of heavy rains, and long, warm seasons.
According to the UAE’s National Center for Meteorology, during summer, Dubai’s humidity levels can spike up to 90%, which further creates an ideal environment for mosquitoes to breed and thrive rapidly.
Dubai’s Common Mosquito Species
Understanding the most found mosquito species in Dubai is essential for figuring out the most potent ways of eradicating them. Let’s have a look at Dubai’s common mosquito-types:
Aedes Aegypti
A small species but immensely dangerous, Aedes aegypti is the main cause of diseases like Zika virus, dengue, and chikungunya. These mosquitoes are active during the day and prefer indoor spaces and clean water. Keep your flower vases, AC and refrigerator condensation trays, and unused bathrooms dry to prevent them from breeding.
Anopheles
These mosquitoes carry malaria and are active from dusk to dawn. They are mainly found in semi-rural areas near waterbodies but can also be found in urban spaces like landscaped parks, golf courses, and artificial lakes.
Culex
The most commonly found mosquito in Dubai is Culex. These mosquitoes are nocturnal by nature and generally breed in polluted and stagnant water. They transmit the West Nile Virus, and their bites are as irritating as their buzzing sounds.
The Proven Six Ways of Controlling Mosquitoes in Dubai
Now it’s time to unfold the 6 proven ways of controlling mosquito infestation in Dubai. Have a look:
Eliminating breeding sites
Eliminating breeding sites is Dubai’s most proactive method of controlling mosquito infestation. Here’s the checklist below:
- Fill uneven garden patches and potholes with sand.
- Remove stagnant water in containers or ports.
- Close water tanks with tight lids.
- Frequently clean drainage and gutters.
- Scrub and empty water bowls for pets.
Small tip: Every weekend or whenever you get time, conduct a small 10-minute property inspection to identify mosquito breeding hotspots.
Use mosquito repellents
A protective layer is crucial, especially when you are out at dusk or dawn. In Dubai’s humid and warm weather, sweat can reduce the effectiveness of repellents, so you have to make the right choice. Here are some top options:
- Natural oils like neem, citronella, and eucalyptus can be used outdoors.
- IR3535 or Picaridin are safe for children and safe skin.
- DEET-formulants are potent for 8 to 10 hours.
For use in homes, plugin vaporizers work well in closed rooms.
Biological methods of mosquito control
If you want to control mosquitoes in an eco-friendly way, biological control can be a great option where the larvae are targeted without harming the ecosystem. Here’s what you can do:
- Introduce dragonflies in your gardens, around fountains.
- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis or BTI are safe and natural larvicides.
- Guppy fishes, when introduced in ponds, eat larvae.
The biological mosquito control methods are great for landscaped communities like Jumeirah Park, The Springs, and even villa gardens.
Installing mosquito screens at home
Physical prevention is an excellent factor in mosquito prevention in villas and high-rise apartments. You can do the following:
- Install mosquito nets over cribs or beds.
- Install door sweeps to prevent entry gaps.
- Instal fine-mesh screens on balcony doors and windows.
For extra protection, you can apply residual sprays across doors and windowsills, especially during the peak season from April to September.
Rely on natural remedies
Natural remedies provide supplementary barriers, but they are never foolproof. The most popular methods include:
- As a temporary repellent, you can rub a mix of lemon and clove.
- Burn lemongrass oil or camphor indoors.
- Plant peppermint, marigold, lavender, basil, and citronella around your garden and balconies.
Natural solutions work best when they are used in combination with various other preventive methods.
It's all about community efforts in the end
One household’s inaction can become an infestation challenge for the entire neighbourhood. Hence, community-wide cooperation is expected in densely populated areas like JLT or Business Bay. Here are the collective steps to take:
- Educate maintenance staff and domestic help to identify breeding spots.
- Report places that hold stagnant water to Dubai Municipality by calling 800900.
- Collaborate with building authorities and management to facilitate monthly fogging activities.
- Facilitate community cleanup days.
With shared responsibility for the community, results are more sustainable and quicker.
Choosing professional mosquito control is a more innovative solution
When DIY is insufficient and has more extensive infections and recurrences, hiring professionals like Supreme PCS is the best solution. Supreme PCS is a Dubai-based pest control company, licensed and experienced with the expertise and tools to identify hidden breeding spots, monitor long-term results, and apply targeted treatments.
Here’s why you should call the mosquito control service provider:
- Professional mosquito exterminators leverage ULV misting and thermal fogging systems.
- They apply safe and biodegradable larvicides that Dubai Municipality approves.
- They provide routine maintenance for long-term protection.
- They offer custom plans for treatment in commercial properties, high rises, and villas.
Whether you live on a Downtown rooftop or in Emirates Hills with a private garden, professional mosquito exterminators ensure that your living spaces are healthy and risk-free.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city that sets an example for innovation and comfort, and no citizen has to keep up with tolerating mosquito infestation in their spaces. Dubai’s blend of temperature shifts and presence of waterbodies makes the problem immensely challenging, but it’s manageable by understanding the species, frequently applying repellents, working together as a community, and, of course, hiring the services of professional experts to take back control.
Act now to keep your spaces clean, safe, and mosquito-free.