Termite control treatment has become an important issue in Makkah and Madinah especially with the two holy cities witnessing a never-before-construction boom, writes Mousaied Shieshakly, general manager of Masa Establishment for Pest Extermination Services.

01 December 2006

The boom in the construction industry of Makkah and Madinah and the cities of the Western region of Saudi Arabia, has caused changes in the subterranean environment forcing property developers to rethink their strategy that will help them protect their investments against termite-infestation.

Damage to property caused by termites has not been confined to soft timber, but also extended to non-wood materials such as metals, plastics, plaster, concrete, leather, rubber and linoleum. In some properties, the termites have damaged underground cables and pipes by stripping of their rubber and plastic coverings, which has resulted in short circuits and even water seepage.
In some cases, the corrosion of metal and concrete has been more rapid due to climatic changes, which have further favoured the penetration of termites into the buildings.
Cables above ground, which were fastened to untreated timber, have also been vulnerable to termite attacks as anything softer than the insect's mandibles does stand a chance of being damaged.
But while the largest economic losses are due to termite damage on timber and wood products, substantial monetary losses have also been caused by damages resulting from termite attacks on important papers and documents.

Tackling the problem
To tackle the problem of pest infestation in Makkah and Madinah, which attracts several millions of pilgrims from around the globe, the Riyadh-based Masa has set up branches to ensure a pest-free environment. Masa has been involved in various projects in the region, both old and new, and has been suggesting and undertaking termite treatment measures through its highly trained staff. Over the recent past, the company has also acquired several prestigious projects for pest and termite control, as there has been an increase in instances related to termites in many buildings in the region.
Termite control treatment has become an important aspect of the construction industry, with most engineers and consultants strongly suggesting a pre or post-construction treatment as a precautionary measure to protect the building from future damages caused by the presence of termites in the soil.
As prevention is always better than cure, it is best to treat buildings against termites at the time of construction itself when treatment is more effective and also cheaper, or before termite infestation occurs. Pest control preventive services are becoming more popular by the day as people now begin to realise the importance of undertaking pre-construction termite treatment at the outset, since post- construction termite treatment involves specialised and complex operations.
Masa Establishment for Pest Extermination Services is a pioneer in pest management, research and consulting in the kingdom. The company has successfully treated and saved thousands of dwellings, artworks, archives, museums, antiques, wooden frames and other similar materials from wood-infesting insects, thus making a major contribution for the protection of health, food, property and the environment in the region through its 26 years of service.
Along with a regular pest control service squad, Masa has a specialised team for termite proofing, prevention and control, which looks after the areas that have been treated to ensure that the job has been done properly in accordance with the company's high standard of policies and procedures. The field supervisor has to make sure that the termite barriers are filled with recommended and required chemicals so that the termites do not return. The company also offers a three to 10-year guarantee of termite protection depending on the area and its nature of soil.
The company also offers regular follow-ups and on-site visits with free surveys, to determine the existence of subterranean termites inside and outside building structures. Sound termite control can be achieved through the use of proper pesticides to control various types of pests that proliferate from food wastages and other related resources.
The company has been offering professional pest control services to many prestigious clients in these cities which include the Al Subaie Group, Hira Hospital, Al Aqsa Hotel, Arabian Technical Contractor, Rashid Abetong, Arab World Investment Group, Abdullah Al Khodairi and Sons, Al Mansouriya Establishment, El Maimani Group, Central Madinah Development Projects, Sulaiman Al Rajhi, Al Harbi Trading and Contracting Company and the Al Dhahry Group.

• Mega projects fuel construction boom
• Al Nafea looks to stronger growth
• Masa Establishment keeps the pests out

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