Insects Of Bahrain: A Guide To The Kingdom's Tiny Residents

Bahrain is home to a diverse range of insects, from the common house fly to the scorpions that hide during the day and hunt at night. The country's insect population is influenced by factors such as ecosystem variations, climate, topography, and human activities. The American cockroach, despite its name, is native to Africa and the Middle East, and is a resilient species often found in Bahrain. Ants are another common pest in the country, with the ability to quickly reproduce and invade homes and gardens. The country is also home to various species of spiders, bees, and beetles.

Dung beetles

Rollers, such as the African dung beetle, roll dung into round balls, which they use as a food source or breeding chambers. Tunnelers, like the Euoniticellus intermedius, bury the dung wherever they find it. Dwellers neither roll nor burrow; they simply live in dung, often attracted by the faeces collected by burrowing owls.

In Bahrain, dung beetles have been observed in the desert, with both adults and juveniles present, suggesting that the adults may be protecting the young.

American cockroaches

One effective treatment for controlling American cockroaches is to use a gel bait. The gel is applied to electrical appliances, cracks, and other areas where cockroaches are present, usually in the kitchen. The gel attracts cockroaches, leading to their death. The toxicant in the gel is also spread to other cockroaches, resulting in a drastic reduction in the cockroach population. Another treatment option is to use a glue board trap, such as the Mastertrap Cockroaches, which catches cockroaches without using toxic substances.

House flies

These flies are not just annoying but also dangerous. They can transmit at least 65 diseases, including typhoid fever, dysentery, cholera, poliomyelitis, yaws, anthrax, tularemia, leprosy, and tuberculosis. House flies carry bacteria, viruses, and fungi on their bodies and spread them to human food when they land on it. They feed on faeces and animal matter, making them important ecological composters, but this also makes them disease vectors.

To prevent a house fly infestation, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices. This includes regularly cleaning garbage cans, removing food residue, and ensuring that pet food is not left out for extended periods. Additionally, eliminating standing water and rotting plants or wood in your yard can help reduce their breeding grounds.

In Bahrain, the presence of house flies has been a growing concern, with residents expressing frustration over the constant buzzing and the potential health risks these insects pose.

Scorpions

Bahrain also has its share of snakes, which can be a cause for concern due to their venomous potential. It is recommended to leave non-venomous snakes alone, but venomous snakes can be removed, and their habitats can be modified to make them less attractive to these reptiles.

Spiders

In Bahrain, there have been reports of the highly venomous brown recluse and black widow spiders. The black widow spider, known for its red hourglass marking on its abdomen, has been increasingly sighted in the north of the country. With venom said to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake, a bite from this spider can cause muscle aches, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Although bites are rarely fatal, it is recommended to seek medical attention. The brown recluse spider is also highly venomous, but there are no specific details on the effects of its bite.

Generally, the main spiders you will encounter in Bahrain are the simple jumping spider and the common house spider. The pantropical jumping spider, a variety of the simple jumping spider, is often found near buildings or other areas inhabited by humans. They spend time around light sources that attract insect prey. They do not construct webs but actively hunt, relying on their agility to find food. The common house spider is found near people and is helpful in feeding on small insects and pests like flies, ants, and mosquitoes. They are docile and not dangerous to humans.

Frequently asked questions