Bulawayo, (New Ziana) -The Bulawayo Municipality has dismissed reports of a severe bedbug infestation in the city, saying the situation is not as dire as portrayed on social media, assuring residents that it remains prepared to respond effectively if the need arises.
Bedbugs are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals.
They are nocturnal, being most active at night, and commonly hide in mattresses, bed frames, furniture cracks, baseboards, behind wallpaper, and even electrical outlets, and easily spread through travelers’ luggage, clothing, and used furniture.
Recent social media reports alleged a widespread bedbug outbreak in Bulawayo, with areas like Nkulumane, Nketa, and Mpopoma cited as the hardest hit.
However, City Town Clerk Christopher Dube on Tuesday allayed the fear, saying investigations revealed only two houses in two different high density suburbs were affected.
The local authority conducted fumigation on a property in Njube, spending US$47 on chemicals, while a private company handled fumigation in Mpopoma.
“The City of Bulawayo was first made aware of bedbugs cases through the social media around May 7, 2025 which alleged that there were bedbugs in Nketa, Nkulumane, Njube and Mpopoma. The reports were false information,” said Dube.
“On June 9, 2025, the City of Bulawayo received a press report alleging that there is a new wave of infestation in Mpopoma. Upon investigation, the evidence of bedbugs was established in two houses in the suburbs. The level of bedbugs is not severe as a few traces of bedbugs were noted.”
Dube said the local authority will continue to monitor the situation closely and is ready to respond appropriately.
New Ziana
