Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
THE City of Mutare is conducting routine spraying of potential bed bug breeding areas in and around the city.
Principal corporate communications and marketing officer, Mr Charles Sadondo, said council had also scaled up awareness campaigns following confirmed outbreaks of bed bugs in the country.
“All potential areas where bed bugs can breed and spread are being targeted for fumigation,” he said.
“The fumigation being carried out is a preventative measure to ensure that our residents are safe from a potential outbreak. Due to confirmed outbreaks of bed bugs in the country, we have also scaled up awareness campaigns to educate our residents on how to protect themselves in the event of an outbreak.”
Mr Sadondo said council was also raising awareness on bed bugs on social media.
Bed bugs are small, flat, wingless insects that feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals, for example, humans, chickens, bats, thereby spreading diseases from one victim to another.
“Bed bugs are not transmitted directly from person to person like lice. Instead, they spread by hitchhiking or travelling on belongings such as clothing, luggage, furniture and bedding,” said City of Mutare.
“They can also travel between buildings or homes if there are easy routes available eg cracks.”
Signs and symptoms include itchy bites that may appear in clusters or lines, rusty or reddish stains on bed sheets and mattresses, presence of bed bugs or shedskins, dark spots of faecal matter and tiny oval white eggs.
To prevent bed bugs, the City of Mutare urges residents to check for bed bugs infestations when buying second hand clothes, furniture, beds and couches before taking them home.
“Wash second hand clothes, soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes, sun dry and then iron them before use.”
“Clutter reduction to reduce hiding places. Use washable mattress covers. Seek early disinfestation for properties and people infested with bed bugs.”
