Insects Of Bahrain: Exploring The Country's Tiny Inhabitants

Bahrain is home to a diverse range of insects, from the pesky pests that invade homes to the unique species found in the desert. The insect population in Bahrain is influenced by various factors, including ecosystem variations, climate, topography, and human activities. The country's varied landscape, ranging from dense cities to secluded islands, also contributes to the diversity of its insect life.

Cockroaches, including the American cockroach

Cockroaches are insects belonging to the family Blattidae and are closely related to termites and grasshoppers. They are a common issue in many households and are known for their resilience and ability to adapt to various environments. Cockroaches have a broad, flattened body shape, six long legs, and long antennae. They are quick and can fit into small spaces, making them challenging to catch.

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is the largest species of common cockroach and is often considered a pest. Despite their name, they are native to Africa and the Middle East and were likely introduced to the Americas through human commercial patterns, including the Atlantic slave trade. American cockroaches have a characteristic insect body with three sections: the head, trunk (thorax), and abdomen. The thorax is further divided into three segments, each with a pair of legs, with the front legs being the shortest and the hind legs the longest. The body is reddish-brown with a yellowish margin on the pronotum, the region behind the head. They have large compound eyes, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts.

American cockroaches are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide range of materials, including cheese, sweets, leather, starch in book bindings, glue, hair, dead animals, plant materials, and even soiled clothing. They are particularly attracted to fermenting foods. These cockroaches are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, cracks, and crevices near buildings. They prefer high temperatures of around 29 °C (84 °F) and moist environments but can survive in dry areas if they have access to water.

American cockroaches have three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females produce egg cases (oothecae) that are placed in safe locations. Immature cockroaches emerge from the egg cases and undergo moulting before reaching adulthood. American cockroaches have one of the longest life cycles among common cockroach species, lasting up to about 700 days.

American cockroaches are known to carry odorous secretions that can alter the flavour of food and transmit disease-causing bacteria such as Salmonella. They are a significant source of allergies and asthma, with their body parts and faeces triggering allergic reactions in certain individuals.

To prevent and control infestations, it is recommended to seal cracks and crevices, store food in insect-proof containers, and maintain cleanliness. Glue board traps and insecticides are also effective methods to control cockroach populations.

House flies and other flies

House flies are the most common flies found in Bahrain, buzzing around homes, restaurants, and other human-made structures. They are a danger to human health as they carry and spread disease organisms, moving from garbage and sewage to our dinner plates. They regurgitate saliva and deposit waste on human food, contaminating it. House flies can transmit at least 65 diseases, including typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, poliomyelitis, yaws, anthrax, tularemia, leprosy, and tuberculosis. They are attracted to human bodies and kitchens, and are drawn to warm air currents from buildings on cool days, moving away on hot days.

The female common house fly mates once and can store the sperm for multiple batches of eggs throughout her life. She lays anywhere between 75 to 150 eggs at a time, usually in rotting organic matter, where the larvae will feed. The adults feed on faeces and animal matter, making them important ecological composters. However, they can also transmit pathogens to human food and are considered pests and health hazards in human-occupied areas.

House flies breed year-round, but they are more active during the summer. They reproduce quickly, with a female adult house fly living for between 10-25 days and laying about five or six batches of eggs during her lifetime.

To prevent a house fly infestation, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices. This includes regularly cleaning garbage cans, removing dead flies, and getting rid of any rotting food, wood, or plants that may be attracting them. Window screens and doors should be maintained to minimise access points, and pest control services can also be utilised.

Other flies that may be present in Bahrain include the red-veined darter, a species of dragonfly, and the Heliothis peltigera, a moth with a wingspan of 29-40mm and greyish-ochreous forewings.

Scorpions and spiders

Spiders and scorpions are both arachnids that can be found in Bahrain. While spiders are invertebrates with no skeleton, scorpions are closely related to spiders, mites, and ticks. Both scorpions and spiders are nocturnal, hiding during the day and hunting at night.

Scorpions are not unique to Bahrain, but they can be a nuisance in the country. They primarily feed on insects like crickets and cockroaches, but they will also eat spiders. They can survive for months without food if water is available. Scorpions have claws like crabs and a venomous sting in their tails, but the species in Bahrain are not considered deadly to humans. Their stings can be treated easily with over-the-counter medications. To prevent scorpion infestations, it is important to eliminate potential hiding spots like woodpiles, trash, and debris around your property.

Spiders are also common in Bahrain, with various species present. While most spiders in Bahrain are not dangerous, there have been reports of highly venomous brown recluse and black widow spiders in the country. The black widow spider, known for its red hourglass marking, has venom that is said to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake. Symptoms of a black widow bite include muscle aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Although bites are rarely fatal, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

In addition to the brown recluse and black widow spiders, other spider species in Bahrain include the redback spider, whitetail spider, and huntsman spider. Huntsman spiders, despite their intimidating appearance, are not typically aggressive and play a beneficial role in controlling the population of smaller insects.

Ants

There are several methods to get rid of ants. Keeping the house clean, using air fresheners, and keeping windows shut are some basic measures. Using bug spray or plant-repelling plants can also help. Additionally, electric light bug killers with purple UV lights are effective in trapping and killing ants. Natural repellents such as peppermint oil and white vinegar can be mixed with water and sprayed around the house and hiding places.

Carpenter ants, which are prevalent in Bahrain, are one of the most destructive types of ants. They can cause significant damage, especially in homes with gardens. Other types of ants mentioned include sugar ants and stingy ants, the latter causing painful bites.

Interestingly, ants are not all bad. New research shows that ants can inhibit at least 14 different plant diseases. They secrete antibiotics from glands in their bodies and host bacteria that also secrete antibiotics on their legs and bodies. This has led scientists to explore the potential use of ants and their antibiotics in agriculture to combat resistant plant diseases.

Mosquitoes

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, it is important to eliminate areas of standing water around the home, such as flower pots, birdbaths, and baby pools, as mosquitoes only need about half an inch of water to breed. Screening windows and doors and minimizing outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, can also help reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

The Ministry of Health in Bahrain has assured that steps will be taken to address the issue, deploying personnel to spray mosquito repellents and take other necessary measures.

Frequently asked questions