Bed bugs invade Bulawayo

The dreaded bed bug plague that haunted Harare earlier this year has now crept into Bulawayo, leaving residents of Mpopoma's Ward 9 in a state of panic, discomfort, and growing despair.

The infestation, concentrated in Block 46 and the flats behind the popular Patapata Beer Garden, has turned daily life into a torment of sleepless nights, constant scratching, and anxiety. Residents say they are battling in silence, ashamed of the stigma that comes with the bloodsucking parasites.

"These bugs have turned our lives into a nightmare," said one resident, whose arms and face were marked by red, itchy welts. "We haven't had a peaceful night in weeks. They bite my children too. We've tried everything — hot water, paraffin, sprays — but nothing works."

Another resident, Miss Siphiwe Moyo, added, "It's hard to talk about this. People will laugh at you, but we are tired. We are not sleeping. These bugs are winning."

The situation has sparked urgent appeals to local authorities. However, many residents were shocked to learn they would need to pay US$47 per household for fumigation services offered by the Bulawayo City Council — a cost too steep for many, especially the elderly and unemployed.

"That amount is simply out of reach for most of our elderly residents," said Mr Stanslous Dube, chairperson of Ward 9 residents. "This infestation is real. Block 46 and surrounding flats are the worst-hit. People are begging for help."

Ward Secretary for Environment, Mr Dumisani Moyo, echoed the call for urgent intervention: "This problem is spreading, and many residents are too ashamed to report it. We're appealing to government to step in."

Ward Councillor Donaldson Mabutho pledged to visit the affected areas, while Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart said he had not yet received an official report on the outbreak.

The Bulawayo outbreak mirrors Harare's earlier crisis, where suburbs like Glen View and Mbare were overrun by the pests. Experts now warn that without coordinated action, Mpopoma's infestation could spread rapidly to other suburbs.

A health official who declined to be named confirmed that bed bugs are proving resistant to ordinary treatments. "Many people are trying homemade remedies, but these pests are tough. They hide in mattresses, clothing, cracks, and furniture. They can even hitchhike between places through bags or buses."

Though winter may offer temporary relief due to lower temperatures, the bugs thrive in Zimbabwe's hot and dry seasons — breeding quickly and spreading through entire communities.

Bed bugs are a global menace. Paris was rocked by an infestation during the 2023 Fashion Week, with reports of bugs in hotels and trains. Major cities like New York, London, Johannesburg, and Mumbai have also battled recurring outbreaks in homes, hospitals, cinemas, and public transport.

Experts stress that bed bugs are not a sign of poor hygiene, but controlling them requires community-wide cooperation and professional treatment. Isolated fumigation often fails, as reinfestation occurs if neighbouring units are not treated simultaneously.

Beyond itching and discomfort, health professionals are warning of serious consequences: insomnia, mental health stress, skin infections, and reduced productivity. The outbreak, they say, exposes weaknesses in urban sanitation and pest control readiness.

As for Mpopoma's residents, what once was a viral meme in Harare has now become their harsh reality.

The bugs are here.

They bite.

And unless authorities act swiftly, they're not going anywhere.