Registered pest-control providers should all have a company trade licence.
In Dubai, technicians are issued ID cards featuring their name and photograph. Dubai Municipality's pest-control service grades companies on a 100-point system and can provide its list of gradings upon request.
In Abu Dhabi, registered pest-control companies are listed online at nadafa.ae/ar/ESPAcc.aspx but the list is in Arabic.
When looking at advertisements, be aware that registered companies usually advertise landlines as well as mobile contact numbers. A landline indicates the company has an office, one of the prerequisites to obtaining a trace licence.
If you decide to take care of a pest problem yourself, only buy sprays and chemicals available in supermarkets. Do not attempt to use professional chemicals.
* Vesela Todorova
