Bed bugs come back in UAE apartments mostly because treatment stops too early: one visit rarely finishes the job, and the follow-up gets skipped. Gulf News (17 May 2019) reported that Tadweer said follow-up visits are essential but often skipped. Gulf News (1 November 2018) quoted a pest control firm estimating that only about 3 in 10 households finish a multi-week bed bug treatment. That is the firm's estimate, not a survey. If you are worried about bites, see a doctor.
What Gulf News reported
- Where the calls come from. Gulf News (1 November 2018) reported ServiceMarket data from about 1,600 calls, with Bur Dubai, Marina and Al Barsha the areas with the most for bed bug calls. The same report said bed bugs and cockroaches made up about 6 in 10 complaints.
- Treatment that is not finished. In the same article, a pest control firm estimated about 3 in 10 households finish the multi-week treatment. This is a pest control firm's own estimate, so read it as an indication only.
- A resident's account. A Bur Dubai resident said bed bugs returned despite six weeks of treatment.
- Follow-up skipped. Gulf News (17 May 2019), reporting on Abu Dhabi residents who felt cheated by ineffective pest control, quoted Tadweer saying follow-up visits are essential but often skipped.
These are reports from 2018 and 2019. They are not recent measurements.
Why they return
- One visit is not the plan. Treatment needs a follow-up to check what the first visit did not reach.
- Cracks and furniture. Bed bugs hide in bed frames, mattress seams and furniture, so missed spots restart the problem.
- Shared buildings. In an apartment block, a neighbour's untreated flat can be a source. Tell building management.
- New arrivals. Luggage, second-hand furniture and clothing can bring them back after a clean treatment.
- A cheap one-off. A company that does not return, or cannot be reached after the first visit, leaves you to start again.
What to ask a pest company
- Is bed bug treatment priced separately, and what is in the price?
- When is the follow-up visit, and is it charged?
- What do you need me to do between visits, such as washing bedding?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and what is the remedy if they return?
- Will I get a written report after each visit?
Also ask for the company's municipality approval and check it against the register. Our guides cover how to check a licence in Sharjah and in Dubai.
What MUMTAZ does
Every job starts with an inspection, the treatment is chosen for what the inspection found, a follow-up visit is scheduled, and you receive a written service report. See bed bug treatment for what we do.
Bed bug treatment is not part of the residential pest control package, so it is priced separately and quoted after an inspection. We do not publish a bed bug figure.
Our published residential pest control prices, VAT included, cover general home pests such as cockroaches and ants:
| Property | Price |
|---|---|
| Studio | AED 215 |
| 1BHK | AED 259 |
| 2BHK | AED 299 |
| 3BHK | AED 339 |
| 4BHK apartment or villa | AED 495 |
| Each bedroom above four | AED 55 more |
Each price is the full package: an initial spray treatment, a gel bait follow-up visit within 3 days at no extra charge, and a 6-month warranty, so if the treated pests come back within 6 months we return and re-treat at no extra charge. That warranty covers the pests treated; it is not a promise that a home stays pest-free.
Why the written report matters
A follow-up only helps if someone checks what changed. The service report after each visit gives you a record of what was found and done, so you can see whether the problem is falling or not, and you have something to show your landlord or building management. For other home pests, see our residential pest control page.
Before and after the visit
Tell neighbours or building management, and ask your pest company what to do between visits. Keep the written report so you have a record of what was done. Tenants in Sharjah and Dubai can use the licence guides above to check any company. Teams work across Sharjah and Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do bed bugs keep coming back after treatment?+
Often because the treatment stops after one visit and the follow-up is skipped. Gulf News (17 May 2019) quoted Tadweer saying follow-up visits are essential but often skipped.
How many people finish bed bug treatment in Dubai?+
Gulf News (1 November 2018) quoted a pest control firm estimating that only about 3 in 10 households finish a multi-week treatment. That is the firm's estimate, not a survey.
Is bed bug treatment included in the MUMTAZ residential package?+
No. Bed bug treatment is priced separately and quoted after an inspection. The published residential prices cover general home pests such as cockroaches and ants.
What does the MUMTAZ residential warranty cover?+
The residential package includes a gel bait follow-up within 3 days and a 6-month warranty: if the treated pests return within 6 months, we return and re-treat at no extra charge.
Should I see a doctor about bed bug bites?+
If bites worry you, see a doctor. This article makes no health claims.
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MUMTAZ Integrated Services Group, serving Dubai, Sharjah & all UAE Emirates since 2006.