Fascinating Pest Facts Every UAE Resident Should Know
Roaches, ants, fleas, termites, and more—just thinking of them is enough to make most people uncomfortable. However, to control pests effectively, understanding them first is necessary.
At PROSHIELD, our pest control experts have dealt with countless infestations in homes and offices across the UAE. Through experience, we’ve learned some surprising and downright bizarre facts about the pests we fight every day.
Here are a few to expand your knowledge (and maybe make your skin crawl just a little).
Fleas can jump the human equivalent of a ekyscraper
A flea can jump over 20 cm high—roughly 130 times its own body height. That’s the same as a human jumping to the top of a 40-storey building! No wonder they’re so tricky to catch. Their extraordinary agility makes professional flea control essential during infestations.
Bed bugs inject anaesthetic before biting
Bed bugs are stealthy feeders. You won’t feel the bite initially because their saliva contains anaesthetic and anti-coagulants, allowing them to feed without causing immediate pain. By the time you notice itching, the pest has long gone. Read more about bed bug facts and how to get rid of them.
Rats and mice are omnivores—but their chewing is the real issue
While many rodents enjoy plant-based diets, most are actually omnivores and will eat nearly anything if food is scarce. More importantly, they are known to chew through wires, packaging, and insulation, creating serious safety risks. This destructive behaviour is a key reason businesses and homeowners rely on professional pest control.
Cockroaches are attracted to aeer
Yes, really. American cockroaches are commonly found near alcohol—beer in particular. The sugar content is believed to be the main draw. In commercial settings like bars and restaurants, this makes proper sanitation and regular pest-proofing a top priority.
Ants don’t sleep—they nap
Unlike humans, ants don’t sleep in long stretches. Instead, they take hundreds of short power naps throughout the day, remaining alert and active almost 24/7. This makes them incredibly persistent pests, especially during warmer months.
Termites eat non-stop, from the inside out
Termites feed on timber 24 hours a day, aided by hyper-efficient microbes in their digestive systems. They typically chew through wood from the inside out, which means you might not spot damage until it’s extensive. Powdery wood residue is a common warning sign—if you see this, contact a pest professional immediately for a termite inspection.
Once pests are in, they’re not leaving without a fight
If you’re hoping pests will simply go away on their own, you’ll be disappointed. Infestations do not resolve themselves. At best, you can slow their spread with regular cleaning. But to truly eliminate pests, professional pest control is essential.
Let PROSHIELD Handle It
Whether you’ve spotted cockroaches, bed bugs, rodents or termites, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. PROSHIELD offers certified pest control services across the UAE, with comprehensive pest-proofing and long-lasting treatments.
