EEB meets trade representatives on pest control work of Government (with photo)
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Rodent control
At the meeting, a representative of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) shared the progress of the key measures under the new data driven rodent control strategy. The FEHD has been conducting systematic Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) using thermal imaging cameras with artificial intelligence technology, to monitor rodent activity and enumerate Rodent Absence Rate (RAR). Based on risk assessment results, resources are dynamically allocated to locations with lower RAR, to carry out targeted and comprehensive rodent control operations. These efforts are further complemented by strengthened collaboration on rodent control in private premises and across sectors, with a view to optimising resource utilisation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of rodent control work.
The RAS for the first half of 2026 has been completed in all districts. Results show that the overall RAR is 96.4 per cent, similar to the figures recorded in the first half (96.0 per cent) and second half (96.1 per cent) of 2025, reflecting that the rodent infestation situation of Hong Kong has remained satisfactory and stable.
Of the 44 survey locations with an RAR below 80 per cent in the second half of 2025 (i.e. areas with more active rodent activities observed), about 89 per cent (39 locations) showed significant improvement in the first half of 2026, with 29 of them achieving RAR over 90 per cent, reflecting a substantial reduction in rodent activity.
Moreover, the number of survey locations with an RAR below 80 per cent in the first half of 2026 was 34, representing a drop by approximately 31 per cent and 23 per cent compared with the first half (49 locations) and second half (44 locations) of 2025 respectively. These findings reflect that the targeted rodent control measures adopted based on RAR have been well directed and highly effective.
Since January 2025, the scope of RAS has been extended to include several public rental housing estates under the Housing Department (HD) and parks managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, etc. To further enhance the representativeness of the RAS, coverage will be expanded to include rental housing estates under the Hong Kong Housing Society, as well as all public rental housing estates under the HD.
The FEHD has also strengthened efforts to tackle rodent infestation problems in private premises. The FEHD proactively inspects private premises or buildings near locations with higher rodent infestation risks, so as to identify potential areas with rodent infestation problem at an early stage. The FEHD also provides professional advice to property managements or property owners, and issues Notice of Elimination of Vermin where appropriate, requiring necessary anti-rodent operations. In the first seven months of 2026, the FEHD issued a total of 213 Notices of Elimination of Vermin, representing an increase of about 24 times compared with the same period in 2025.
The representative of the FEHD also reported on the progress of the Anti-rodent Charter. Since the launch of the Charter, support from property management companies, owners' corporations, and resident organisations of residential and commercial premises has been received. Since April this year, the FEHD has started inviting property management companies, business operators and owners of shopping centres to sign the Charter. As at July 2026, participating residential premises and shopping centre organisations involved about 840 organisations/groups (covering about 780 000 households) and about 130 organisations/groups (covering about 8 200 shops), respectively. The FEHD provides free anti-rodent technical support to organisations and groups that sign the Charter.
The FEHD has also implemented a scheme that allows licensed food premises, subject to specific conditions, to place covered waste containers in their adjoining rear lanes after business hours, for the proper temporary storage of refuse awaiting collection by the cleansing staff. At present, the scheme has been extended to 183 locations.
Representatives from different sectors (including markets, licensed hawkers, property management, catering industry and construction sector) were informed of the latest progress of the Government's rodent control work, and they expressed that they will share the latest information with stakeholders. The FEHD also expressed its readiness to provide more in-depth briefings on rodent control technologies when required.
Food waste recycling
A representative from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) also introduced efforts and achievements in promoting food waste recycling. The EPD will continue to expand the food waste collection network, implement various recycling initiatives, and continuously strengthen support for food waste recycling. These not only facilitate the delivery of food waste by the public and different sectors for conversion into energy or materials, but also help improve environmental hygiene and reduce food sources for rodents.
The food waste collection volume of Hong Kong has been rising steadily, increasing from an average of about 135 tonnes per day in 2022 to about 350 tonnes per day in 2025, representing a growth of around 1.6 times. At present, about 1 900 food waste smart recycling bins and around 260 public food waste recycling points have been set up across districts, covering public housing estates, private residential buildings, government quarters, GREEN@COMMUNITY, public markets and public refuse collection points. For the collection of commercial and industrial food waste, the EPD provides free point-to-point food waste collection services for premises with larger quantity of food waste. Currently, there are over 800 commercial and industrial food waste collection points across Hong Kong, covering food factories, markets, cooked food centres, wholesale markets, hospitals, hotels, and shopping malls.
In addition, to increase the participation rate of street level shops in food waste separation and recycling, the EPD will launch the "Food Waste Recycling Trial Scheme for Street-level Shops" (Trial Scheme) in September this year in areas of Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong with a higher concentration of such shops, with a view to strengthening publicity and education, as well as assisting street level shops in participating in food waste recycling. The Trial Scheme also collects relevant data and feedback to develop a sustainable and replicable operational model for food waste recycling at street level shops, thereby enhancing the overall recycling rate.
Trade representatives attending the meeting indicated their commitment to actively promote participation and co-operation at the relevant premises.
Mosquito control
On mosquito control, the FEHD introduced to the participants the latest mosquito infestation situation and mosquito control efforts. Rainfall this summer was significantly higher than last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding.
Between January and July 2026, Hong Kong has recorded two chikungunya fever cases, both of which were imported cases. A total of 28 dengue fever cases have been recorded, comprising 26 imported cases and two local cases. Following immediate and effective follow up actions, no secondary transmission was observed in the local cases. However, the public should remain vigilant in taking mosquito control measures in the coming months.
In addition to routine mosquito control work, the FEHD conducts detailed risk assessments to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation, and coordinates intensive, targeted control operations with departments and stakeholders. The FEHD also informed participating housing estates through the rapid alert system, prompting property management companies and residents to remain vigilant and adopt mosquito prevention and control measures. Between January and July 2026, the FEHD initiated 131 prosecutions and issued 372 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers.
Representatives of trade and stakeholders attending the meeting expressed their commitment to continue active participation in the territory-wide All-out Anti-mosquito Operations, and shared specific recommendations on mosquito prevention and control work. For example, pest control sector should provide frontline workers with training on the proper use of mosquito control equipment; and the construction sector should regularly clear construction waste and stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Conclusion
The Action has been introduced since the end of 2022 to consolidate strengths from the Government and various sectors of the community for a cross-sectoral, multidisciplinary, and community-wide approach to anti-rodent work. While various sectors and government departments are consolidating the rodent control work, the public is encouraged to actively participate in rodent prevention and control actions by eliminating the food, harbourage and passages of rodents.
The meeting was chaired by the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong. Participants of the meeting came from 13 organisations or institutions, namely the Hong Kong Housing Society, Link, the Hong Kong Property Services Alliance, the Federation of Hong Kong Property Management Industry, the Hong Kong Association of Property Services Agents, the Pest Control Personnel Association of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Pest Management Association, the Federation of Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories Hawker Associations, the Association for Hong Kong Catering Services Management, the Association of Restaurant Managers, the Hong Kong Japanese Food and Cuisine Association, the Hong Kong General Building Contractors Association and the Civic Exchange.
Ends/Friday, August 28, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:06
Issued at HKT 21:06
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