Bulawayo’s Mpopoma suburb has been hit by a severe bed bug outbreak, with residents of Ward Nine reporting widespread infestations in homes, particularly at Block 46 and flats near Patapata Beer Garden.
The situation has escalated rapidly, with residents complaining of constant itching, painful bites, and restless nights. Many say they feel helpless, with some developing visible welts on their skin. “These bugs have turned our lives into a nightmare,” said a woman from Block 46, her face and hands covered in bite marks. “They bite my kids too. We’ve tried everything. Nothing works.”
Residents are also grappling with the social stigma attached to the infestation, which has made it harder for many to come forward. Miss Siphiwe Moyo, another affected resident, said, “It’s hard to talk about. People will laugh at you. But we are suffering. We are tired. We can’t sleep at all. These bugs are winning.”
Local leaders say the cost of fumigation is making matters worse. The Bulawayo City Council has reportedly asked residents to pay US$47 per household for pest control services, a fee many cannot afford. “That amount is simply out of reach for most of our elderly residents,” said Ward 9 Residents’ Chairperson Mr Stanslous Dube. “The infestation is real. People are begging for help.”
Ward Secretary for Environment Mr Dumisani Moyo confirmed the issue is spreading and said shame is keeping some victims from reporting their cases. Ward Councillor Donaldson Mabutho has pledged to visit the affected areas, while Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart declined to comment, saying he had not received an official report.
The outbreak in Bulawayo follows earlier infestations in Harare, where entire suburbs have battled bed bugs since the beginning of the year. Health officials warn that Mpopoma’s outbreak could become a city-wide crisis if left unchecked. Though the Ministry of Health and Child Care has launched fumigation campaigns in schools and hospitals nationwide, results have been inconsistent.
As temperatures rise, the bed bugs are expected to breed faster, raising concerns of further spread. While residents turn to home remedies like boiling water and paraffin, experts stress that professional intervention is needed. “Bed bugs hide in furniture, clothing, and luggage. They’re spreading fast,” a health official noted.
The issue is not unique to Zimbabwe. Cities such as Paris, New York, London, and Johannesburg have all faced large-scale bed bug crises in recent years. Experts are calling for coordinated national action, warning that beyond physical discomfort, the pests pose serious mental health and sanitation risks.
