The Insect Inhabitants Of Bahrain

Bahrain is home to a diverse range of insects, from the common house fly to the venomous scorpion. The country's varied landscapes, including dense cities and secluded islands, provide a haven for these creatures, with their numbers largely influenced by ecosystem variations, climate, and human activities. While some insects pose a nuisance as pests, others play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. Cockroaches, for instance, are a persistent problem in households, while ants, with their ability to quickly reproduce and consume food sources, can be challenging to eradicate once they invade homes. Scorpions, though not considered deadly, can deliver venomous stings, and spiders, such as the Redback and whitetail species, can be harmful. On the other hand, insects like the house fly and dragonflies act as important ecological composters, even though they may transmit diseases. The presence of these insects in Bahrain highlights the intricate balance between the environment and insect life, shaping the ecological dynamics of the region.

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 problem in many households in Bahrain. There are over 3,500 species of cockroaches, but only a few are domestic pests.

Cockroaches have a flattened body shape, six long legs, and long antennae. During the day, they hide in warm and moist cracks and crevices. At night, they come out to mate and look for food and water. They are very fast runners and can dart out of sight when they perceive a threat. They can also fit into small spaces despite their fairly large size.

Cockroaches can produce unpleasant odours and spread harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. They are a major source of allergies and asthma. They eat any available food sources and can contaminate them.

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 in the 17th century due to human commercial patterns, including the Atlantic slave trade.

The American cockroach has an average length of 4 cm and a height of about 7 mm. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish margin on the pronotum, the body region behind the head. They have a shield-like pronotum covering their head, chewing mouthparts, long segmented antennae, and leathery forewings with delicate hindwings. They are divided into three sections: the head, trunk (thorax), and abdomen. The thorax has three segments, each giving rise to a pair of walking appendages, and the abdomen has ten segments.

American cockroaches have three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females produce an egg case (ootheca) that protrudes from the tip of the abdomen. The egg cases are placed on a surface after about two days. Immature cockroaches emerge in 6-8 weeks and require 6-12 months to mature. After hatching, the nymphs undergo 13 moulting processes before becoming adults.

American cockroaches are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. They eat a variety of materials, including cheese, sweets, leather, starch in book bindings, glue, hair, dead animals, plant materials, and soiled clothing. They are particularly attracted to fermenting foods. They are also known to feed on dead or wounded cockroaches.

American cockroaches prefer moist areas but can survive in dry regions if they have access to water. They thrive in high temperatures of around 29°C and are commonly found in basements, crawl spaces, cracks, and crevices of buildings. In residential areas outside the tropics, they inhabit basements and sewers and may move outdoors into yards during warm weather.

American cockroaches can produce odours that alter the flavour of food. They can also spread disease-causing bacteria, such as Salmonella, on their legs, potentially causing food poisoning or infection. Additionally, house dust containing their faeces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in certain individuals.

House flies and other flies

House flies are a common pest in Bahrain, and they can be a real nuisance for residents. These flies are drawn to human bodies and kitchens, and they can contaminate food products, making them unsafe to eat. They thrive in warm environments and are attracted to food sources, especially spoiled garbage, rotting food, and overripe produce. House flies can also carry pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which can be harmful to humans and animals.

The female house fly can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime, and the flies can reproduce quickly, leading to a serious house fly problem if left unchecked. They can enter homes through open doors, windows, torn screens, vents, and unsealed cracks. To prevent and control house fly infestations, it is important to maintain good sanitation practices, such as keeping your house clean, wiping up spills, and disposing of garbage regularly.

In addition to house flies, there are other types of flies that can be found in Bahrain. While I couldn't find specific names of flies, there are over 120,000 types of fly species globally, and flies are particularly active during the summer months. Flies, in general, are attracted to similar things as house flies, such as food sources and warm environments. They can also pose similar health risks, as they can carry and transmit diseases.

To get rid of flies, both house flies and other fly species, there are several methods you can try. Some people suggest using DIY fly solutions, such as fly traps or repellents. Others recommend contacting professional pest control services, especially for severe infestations. Keeping your environment clean and free of potential food sources for flies is always a good idea to prevent and control fly populations.

Scorpions

Sealing cracks and holes on the outside of buildings with caulk and repairing torn screens can also help keep scorpions out. It is important to ensure that garage and entry doors fit snugly to prevent scorpions from entering.

By taking these precautions, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of scorpion infestations and the potential risks associated with their presence.

Mosquitoes

To control mosquitoes, the Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) concept can be employed. IMM strategies are based on ecological, economic, and social criteria and integrate multidisciplinary methodologies into pest management strategies. Insecticides may be applied to control mosquito larvae (larvicides) or adults (adulticides). To reduce the mosquito population, it is essential to eliminate areas of standing water, such as flowerpots, birdbaths, and baby pools, as mosquitoes only need about half an inch of water to breed. Additionally, screening windows and doors and minimizing outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, can help prevent mosquito bites.

While the mosquitoes in Bahrain are not known to carry malaria or dengue fever, it is still important to take precautions to avoid being bitten and to reduce the risk of contracting other mosquito-borne diseases.

Ants

There are several thousand species of ants worldwide, but only a few can be classified as pests. These pest species can be divided into two categories: those that nest outside and those that invade dwellings, usually in search of food. Different types of ants exhibit different behaviours, but they all share the ability to quickly establish themselves in new environments and become a persistent problem.

In Bahrain, the following species of ants have been identified:

• Brachyponera sennaarensis
• Paratrechina longicornis
• Tetramorium caespitum

The Brachyponera sennaarensis species is introduced and not native to Bahrain. This species is known to nest in soil, particularly at the base of date palm trees, where they feed on decaying organic material. They have been found in locations such as the King Saud University campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is geographically close to Bahrain.

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