Masa Establishment for Pest Extermination Services has unveiled plans to expand its operations in the kingdom.  It also intends to introduce newer techniques of pest control as it gears up to celebrate its silver jubilee year in 2005.

The Riyadh-based firm has been offering professional pest control services throughout the kingdom since its inception in 1980.
'We plan to open new branches at Yanbu, Hail and Al Kharj,' says Mousaied S Shieshakly, owner and general manager of the Riyadh-based company. 'These measures have been initiated to keep pace with the growth in the construction sector in the kingdom.'
Masa is looking forward to capitalise heavily on the recent boom in the kingdom's construction industry and is keen to grab a larger share of the pest control market by offering its termite control, prevention, proofing and pest control services in new sectors. The company presently enjoys a market share of 30 to 35 per cent despite the growing competition, he says.
'In recent months, the number of pest control companies operating in the kingdom has exceeded 400. In the midst of such competition, maintaining our track record for excellence in business has remained an uphill task. But despite the odds, the quality of our service and our long years of experience have held us in good stead,' says Shieshakly.
The growing demand for pest control equipment, public health and agro-chemicals has encouraged the firm to expand its sales services in the kingdom. Masa is negotiating with many reputable manufacturers of pesticides and pest control equipment worldwide to enhance its portfolio of products and services. It is also actively promoting the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) products, which are non-toxic and much safer for health and the environment. In addition, Masa's mobile sales service has gained momentum in recent years due to its accurate delivery system and excellent after-sales services, he says.
Elaborating on the benefits of pre-construction treatment, Shieshakly says: 'There has been a change in the way pest control measures have been viewed. Today, there is a growing trend towards pre-construction treatment - application of termiticide emulsion during the construction stages of the building starting from the foundation footings and walling including the outside perimeter - as it is much more effective in preventing the risk of termite infestation than post-construction treatment.
'Such treatment - which is also referred to as termite-proofing - depends on the structural composition of the building and the manner in which it is built and is a time-tested method that guarantees a complete chemical barrier against termites. Pre-construction treatment is highly recommended to ensure complete protection from the menace of termites as it seeks to completely isolate new buildings from termites by forming a tough chemical barrier with termiticides in surrounding areas.'
 'The company's untiring efforts to support the construction industry by controlling and eradicating a widespread threat of termites around the Kingdom has always been widely appreciated. By offering a range of pre-construction and post-construction termite options, it has been able to guarantee the stability of the constructed buildings by overcoming the threat of subterranean termites,' says Shieshakly.
He adds: 'With an overwhelming support from both the government and private sectors, Masa has managed to spread its services through 11 branches across the kingdom. To establish a pest-free environment is a daunting challenge, but to a large extent we have been successful in discharging our responsibilities.'
Currently, Masa has more than 240 professionals from diverse fields on its payroll, including highly trained and skilled pest control technicians/drivers, team leaders, field supervisors, service supervisors, encoders, branch managers with a customer support system established at all its branches.
Masa has secured several key pest treatment contracts with reputable companies and has been ably assisted by its chemical and equipment sales department, which deals with pest control equipment, public health and agro-chemicals. The company has also been a successful bidder for the treatment of grain silos for two consecutive years - 2003 and 2004 - and has supplied fumigants worth SR1 million. In addition, the company has a long list of reputable clients in the private sector that includes Saudi Modern Foods, Hadco, Nadec, Tadco, AJWA and Al Marai to name a few, he says.
'To address the important issue of customer satisfaction, the operations department undertakes a regular service evaluation and in-service training programme that focuses on the handling and application of pesticides in sensitive areas such as hospitals, restaurants, food storage areas, warehouses, dairy farms and other areas that are prone to pest infestation. The company also arranges random visits to clients to get valuable feedback about its services and help correct deficiencies, if any, he says.
'Masa has also been an active participant at exhibitions in Jeddah and Riyadh, to educate people on the importance of pest control services. We generally participate in seven to eight exhibitions held in Riyadh and Jeddah every year, deputing entomological staff, agricultural engineers and other pest control experts at the stall to give the people on-the-spot demonstration and to make them aware of pest infestations, its damages and cure.'
'In the 24 years of its operation in the kingdom, Masa has gained valuable recognition from both the government and private sectors. The company has also been a regional representative for a number of events related to pest control including the Eurocido organised by the German Pest Control Association, the International conference on Insect Pest in the urban environment (Edinburgh, Scotland), and the 3rd ICUP. It was nominated by the First International Congress of Chemical and biological Medical treatment (CB MTS - Middle East), Cairo - Egypt, as its representative in Saudi Arabia.
Masa is an active member of 16 reputable and renowned pest control organisations in the world including the National Pest Control Association of America.