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City Health urges residents to steer clear of using illegal pesticides to deal with their pest problems this summer.

​The warmer months coincide with an increase in flies, cockroaches and rodents.

For many people, an effective solution is the cheap pesticides sold by some corner shops and informal traders.

Common products include Two-Step, Green Leaf sachets for cockroaches and flies, Aldicarb, liquid poison mixtures, slug granules and insecticide chalk sticks.

‘Many of these products are illegal because they can be lethal to humans or household pets. However, they remain in circulation, because they are effective and affordable, particularly in areas where residents can’t afford pest control services. Often, users don’t realise how dangerous these substances are, because there is no usage pamphlet included, or if the product is imported, the packaging contains a foreign language.

‘Not only are we concerned about how these products keep making their way into the local market, but also about the accidental ingestion, disposal and impact on the environment. So what seems like a simple transaction between buyer and seller can have far-reaching effects down the line, including death,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

​City Health is among a number of agencies on the inter-sectoral Pesticide Poisoning Action Group. Other participants are Law Enforcement, Metro Police, the South African Police Service and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The Pesticide Poisoning Action Group conducts regular pesticide raids, combined with education and awareness about the risks of handling illegal pesticides and how to distinguish between these and legally sanctioned substances.

In the last financial year (July 2018 – Jun 2019), City Health recorded 32 cases of pesticide poisoning.

‘We don’t disagree that summertime pests are a challenge; rather it’s the way in which they are dealt with that needs attention. Flies, roaches and rodents are attracted to food sources presented by household waste and food that’s been left out, including pet food and waste. So we encourage residents to use this as a starting point which can help them manage the prevalence of pests in their immediate surroundings,’ added Councillor Badroodien.                                             

Pest management tips for residents:

• Refrain from illegal dumping
• Keep household bins or bin bags sealed, dry (where possible) and stored in a cool place
• Wash and disinfect your bin after every removal
• Keep your refuse bags out of reach of animals
• Collect and dispose of animal faeces on a daily basis

City Health conducts rodent baiting in public spaces and also offers free rodent control services to residents in poorer communities. Over a 12-month period in the previous financial year, staff set 110 416 baiting stations for control of rodents. Residents are advised to contact their local Environmental Health Office or clinic if they have complaints related to rodent activity or any other health risks.

Illegal dumping can also be reported in this manner, or by contacting the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089.

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