Wasps/wild bees infestation and human health

Unlike mosquitoes and rodents which are important vectors of infectious diseases and can affect large population, wasps and wild bees are not vectors of human diseases and are insects of lower public health risk.

In residential and private non-residential premises, the prevention and control of these pests should fall under the responsibilities of the concerned building management agencies/companies. Those building management companies without such expertise can always seek assistance from pest control companies, where there are many to choose from in the market. (" How to select a pest control company")

Policy Change

Since its establishment on 1 January 2000, our department has been providing free wasps/wild bees disinfestation services to the public. In view of the threats posed by a number of pest borne diseases such as Dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis in the past few years, the pest control policy of our Department has been reviewed. To prioritize our work in the most effective manner, it is considered that resources for pest control work should be deployed to areas with greater public health significance.

Who will be affected ?

While our department will continue to provide free wasps/wild bees disinfestation services in public areas, the services will no longer be provided to residential buildings, both private and public, with building management companies from 1 March 2005. For those private non-residential premises with building management companies, the service will cease from 1 September 2005. (" Prevention of wasps infestation")

Enquiry

For any enquires on this new arrangement, please do not hesitate to contact our Contract Management and Insect Control Unit at 2314 1352.