Dhofar Municipality steps up insect control at khareef sites

SALALAH : Dhofar Municipality is stepping up its annual programme to maintain the governorate’s urban and natural environments and control seasonal insects, particularly the biting midge known locally as arnoot.
The programme is intended to protect public health and provide a safe and comfortable environment for visitors from Oman and abroad during the khareef season.
The municipality is running advance field campaigns at major natural attractions and springs, including Ayn Sahalnoot, Ayn Razat, Ayn Hamran, Ayn Tabraq and Ayn Athum, as well as Wadi Darbat and public parks.
Field surveys and regular site inspections help technical teams identify priority areas and adjust operations as conditions change.
Control measures include periodic spraying, particularly at locations with high moisture levels. The municipality said the approved pesticides are applied in accordance with public health and environmental safety requirements.
The municipality has also installed smart traps at strategic locations, including Wadi Darbat and several natural springs.
It said the traps are intended to reduce insect numbers without disrupting visitors or affecting the surrounding landscape.
Specialist teams inspect tourist attractions and public areas to assess how well the control measures are working and adjust operations in response to site conditions and visitor activity.
As part of its wider work to control mosquitoes and other pests, the municipality is also encouraging residents to eliminate standing water and potential breeding sites around homes and in residential neighbourhoods.
The work forms part of Dhofar Municipality’s continuing efforts to improve public services and quality of life, and to support Dhofar’s position as a safe and welcoming destination during the khareef season.