Gulf Construction Online - Masa aims to keep pests at bay

Makkah & Madinah

Post-construction treatment against termites.

Masa aims to keep pests at bay

01 December 2005

Pest control specialist Masa says that the massive ongoing construction boom in Makkah and Madinah has given the company an opportunity to expand its existing pest control business to a large scale.

“Every year, the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah attract millions of pilgrims from across the world and anticipating the ongoing developments and the influx of people to the region, we set up our branches in both the cities a number of years ago to help ensure that the cities remain pest free,” says a company spokesman.
“The kingdom has already initiated projects worth more than SR30 billion ($8 billion) in a bid to develop and expand Makkah and several other construction projects are in the pipeline,” says the spokesman. “As a professional pest control company, Masa has been extending its expertise to several of these projects while being constantly on the lookout to associate itself with newer ones,” he adds.
“In addition, with an aim to expand its operations in the kingdom, Masa has submitted quotations to a number of companies involved in bidding for new construction projects both in Makkah and Madinah including many government sectors.
“We have been gaining overwhelming support from the construction companies that are well versed with Masa’s professionalism in carrying out the assigned job. The company’s long existence in Makkah and Madinah and its popularity gives the company an edge over the competitors. Masa’s methods of treatment/application and on-site dilution of recommended chemicals in presence of companies representative is the basic policy of the company which makes a big difference,” says the spokesman.

Termite zone
“The boom in the construction industry in the Western Region, Makkah, Madinah and nearby cities have made untreated buildings and structures in the region prone to termite attacks. This is because the high moisture and water content in the region has created an ideal environment for the proliferation of termites.
“Through offering a range of pre-construction and post-construction termite options, Masa has been able to guarantee the stability of the constructed buildings by overcoming the threat of subterranean termites. This is apart from its regular pest control service, which it normally offers for villas, duplex, furnished apartments, hospitals, restaurants, schools, government and public facilities in both the government and private sectors,” says the spokesman.
He adds: “In addition to its regular pest control service squad which looks after the areas where termite control treatments are done, Masa has a specialised team for termite proofing, prevention and control, which ensures that the job has been completed conforming to the company’s standards and existing policies and procedures.
“At Masa, the field supervisor ensures that the termite barriers are filled with the recommended and required chemicals, thereby preventing any chance of termite attack in the future. Our quality of service is a part and parcel of company’s policy.
“Our more than 25-year-long association with the industry has made us firmly believe in the philosophy – prevention is better than cure – and this is the reason we highly recommend our customers to undertake pre-construction termite treatment. Pre-treatment – which is easy and cost effective – is less complicated than post-treatment and can help avoid any future damage to structures caused by the existence of termites in soil.
Elaborating on the benefits of pre-construction treatment against termites, he adds: “Application of termiticide emulsion during the construction stages of the structure starting from the foundation footings and slabs including the outside perimeter is much more effective in preventing termite infestation than post-construction treatment.
“Pre-construction treatment – also referred to as termite proofing – depends on the structural composition of the building and the manner in which it is built, and guarantees a complete chemical barrier against termites.
“In addition, the company undertakes regular follow-ups and onsite visits with free survey to determine the existence of subterranean termites around the perimeters of the proposed new construction projects.
“Masa offers a guarantee on its termite control programmes from a period of three to 10 years, depending on the area and the nature of the soil, which is pre-determined by the company’s highly trained pest control consultant during the free survey. In case of re-infestation during the guarantee period, Masa extends its free services in areas where termites have re-infested.”
“The growing demand of pest control services, equipment, and public health chemicals has encourage Masa to expand its sales services in the kingdom. Masa is negotiating with many reputable manufacturers of pesticides and pest control equipment worldwide to enhance its portfolio of products and services. It is also actively promoting IPM (Integrated Pest Management) products – which are a combination of chemicals and non-toxic chemicals and materials much safer for health and the environment,” he adds.
The company currently offers its services to some of the larger clients in the two holy cities which include: Salem York, Madinah National Hospital, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Tarik Bin Laden Hospital, El Maimani Group, Maimani Red Bricks Factory, Azel Rockwool Insulation, Al Doraq Water Factory, Taiba Water Factories, Al Khodairi Construction Company, Lada Group, Al Mansouryah Establishment, Al Dhahry Group, Al Sahed Establishment, Arab World Investment, Snaf Inn Hotel, Al Zaidy Group, Dareen Plaza, Khalidiya Restaurant, Al Aqza Hotel, Sheik Abdul Wahab Palace, Abdullah Bahes, Sheik Abdul Al Bani, Al Zaydi Furniture, and Saudi Pan Kingdom.