From 20 April 2025, the biological treatment season for 2.3 million green spaces will begin in Almaty. The measures are being carried out to improve the condition of trees, increase their resistance to pests, and maintain the ecological balance in the city. The work will be carried out at night, which should help the preparations to have a longer effect on pests due to slower evaporation.
WORK SCHEDULE
According to the city press service, this year's treatment plan covers green spaces on public land. The work will be carried out in four stages by contractor organisations holding licences for the production and use of pesticides:
- Stage I: from 20 April to 30 May — first treatment (including four treatments for oaks and two for poplars);
- Stage II: from 1 June to 30 June — second treatment;
- Stage III: from 5 July to 5 August — third treatment;
- Stage IV: from 15 August to 20 September — fourth treatment.
PREPARATIONS USED
It is reported that certified biological and, in some cases, chemical preparations of low hazard class (Category 4), authorised for use within the country, are used for treatment. Climatic factors and their safety for people, birds and animals are taken into account when selecting preparations.
EFFECTIVENESS OF MEASURES
It is noted that based on the results of work over the last four years, high effectiveness of the preparations has been recorded, particularly in combating such phytophagous pests as the horse-chestnut leaf miner, the hawthorn and rose leafrollers. Annual systematic treatment helps to reduce the number of dangerous insects and maintain the health of city trees.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESIDENTS
In connection with the work on treating green spaces, the editorial board of FBRK recommends that residents follow a few simple rules:
- pay attention to information notices about the dates of treatment in specific areas;
- on treatment days, close windows in the evening and at night time;
- do not stay near the areas of direct treatment;
- do not let children play on the grass for 2 weeks after treatment;
- if you have allergic reactions, take additional safety precautions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
In the field of environmental safety, FBRK annually analyses insect control methods across the country, investigates the issue of pesticide use in urban disinsection, and calls on the authorities to switch to safe biological methods of insect control.
This year we intend to continue monitoring the preparations used for treating green spaces in the regions.