Mbare’s Bed Bug Outbreak Sparks Fear of Wider Harare Crisis
Despite ongoing fumigation efforts by the Harare City Council, Mbare residents say the bed bug infestation has persisted for too long, with some warning the pests are spreading faster and biting harder.
Sleepless nights and relentless itching have become the norm, as the tiny, bloodsucking insects appear to have developed a resistance to the chemicals being used, raising alarm and urgent calls for more decisive action.
Answering the call, the City of Harare has activated its Incident Management System in an urgent bid to contain the outbreak before it spreads to other parts of the city.
The city fathers confirmed the escalation in a statement, revealing that dedicated teams have been dispatched across Mbare to conduct fumigation and investigate reports emerging from other suburbs on social media.
“The City of Harare has activated its Incident Management System to effectively respond to the bed bug outbreak, including appointing a team led by our Environmental Health Manager, Mr. Manyara, to spearhead control operations,” the council said.
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An Incident Manager has been appointed, and an Incident Action Plan developed to coordinate the response.
Officials are urging residents across Harare to report any suspected infestations to the City Health Department, as fears grow that the outbreak could quietly creep beyond Mbare if not swiftly contained.
The bed bug outbreak, which gained momentum earlier this month, has wreaked havoc in the high-density Mbare Musika Flats, leaving families trapped in a nightly battle of sleeplessness, itching, and despair as the tiny invaders tighten their grip on already crumbling homes.
So far, council teams have fumigated 64% of the 5,450 rooms targeted in Mbare as part of the first of three planned rounds of treatment, which began on April 7, 2025.
The City is also reaching out to private fumigation companies to support sustained operations as part of an Integrated Pest Management program combining spraying, mass education, and community mobilization.
Bed bugs, or tsikidzi as they are locally known, are notorious household pests that, while not transmitting diseases, cause severe discomfort, allergic reactions, and psychological distress due to their persistent nocturnal biting.
Their resilience is largely due to their life cycle: while chemical treatments can kill live bugs, their eggs often survive, requiring multiple fumigation rounds to fully eradicate infestations.
City of Harare have therefore urged residents to play an active role in combating the pests by maintaining cleanliness, reducing clutter, exposing furniture to sunlight, and practicing proper laundry hygiene.
“Sunlight exposure kills bed bugs, and simple measures like regular cleaning, decluttering, and avoiding untreated second-hand items can make a significant difference.
“Regularly clean/vacuum floors, bed frames, and surrounding areas frequently, especially in cracks and crevices. Apply a recommended pesticide when there is evidence of infestation.
“Proper laundry practices; wash and dry all bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress protectors, in hot water (at least 50°C) and dry them.
“Regularly change and wash bedding to prevent bed bug infestations. Avoid or treat second-hand items. Avoid second-hand clothing or fumigate them before use to prevent introducing bed bugs into your living space.
“Community engagement and cooperation; Participate in fumigation efforts organised by the CoH and are community led; collaborate fumigation teams to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent the spread of bed bugs between units. Ensure all rooms are open for fumigation teams to access rooms,” the City said.
