Pregnancy and Pest Control | ExpatWoman.com
 

Pregnancy and Pest Control

Things to consider before fumigating your house or apartment in Dubai whilst you are pregnant or expecting a baby.

Posted on

3 March 2015

Last updated on 19 January 2020
Pregnancy and Pest Control

All pesticides contain some degree of chemicals no matter how natural they claim to be. These chemicals are used to disrupt the nervous system of the pests which causes them to die. During pregnancy these chemicals can be dangerous to the developing fetus. However living in an infested house can also pose dangers such as disease and allergies transmitted by the pests or caused from inhaling their droppings.

 

So what are you to do? In order to avoid causing harm to the child, follow these six precautions.

1. Identify the type of pest problem you have. Different pests require different pesticides and treatments. You will need to know which pest you have exactly, in order for pest control to be effective and cause minimal damage. For example, if you found a small bug on your bed it may be a bed bug or it may be a small cockroach. Make sure to diagnose the problem correctly or invite a pest control professional to help.

2. Choose licensed companies only. When making a choice of which company to book, make sure to only select from a list of licensed professionals. Unlicensed professionals may use chemicals that are dangerous and deadly. Customer reviews are very important as they give validity to the company. Make a choice not only based on price but also based on the service they will provide you.

3. State that you are pregnant. When you have decided which provider to use, make sure to state that you are pregnant. This will signal to your pest control provider a need to tailor treatment plans for a less invasive treatment method.


Fumigating
 
4. Use less harmful and less invasive chemicals. Even though you have stated that you are pregnant, always ask what chemicals will be used and where. Generally speaking a pest control provider will spray the parameter of the house and put gel treatment to minimize the chemical exposure to the fetus.

5. Use pest control as an excuse to get away. No matter how green or non-invasive a pest control fumigation may seem, no doctor will recommend an expecting mother to conduct one, especially during the first trimester. Expecting mothers are suggested to leave the house for at least 24 hours when pest control is being conducted. Use this as an excuse to take a vacation or visit your parents.

6. Get deep cleaning before moving back in. Before coming back home from your time away, make sure to request for deep cleaning of your entire house. Deep cleaning minimizes the potential exposure you may face. Note, deep cleaning often uses chemicals. It is always best to request for steam cleaning, however in Dubai this service is not offered widely. Instead you can tell the cleaning company that you are expecting, and prefer to have you house cleaned with water and soap and not chemical products.
 

When looking for cleaning or pest control service always look at customer reviews and licensing in order to guarantee the best service in Dubai. Avoid endangering yourself and your child by taking all the safety precautions. Contact licensed pest control providers and pick the company that suits you best on price and professionalism.

 
 

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