The FBRK editorial team continues its series of articles on which preparations are used for disinsection in the regions of Kazakhstan and what risks they may pose to people and the environment. In this part, we examine the situation in the Zhetysu region, where the use of chemical insecticides has been recorded for the fourth consecutive year.
WHAT SUBSTANCES ARE BEING USED AND WHY THEY ARE DANGEROUS
In 2026, the region is once again using substances potentially hazardous to health and the ecosystem, including in urban areas.
According to the Department of Energy and Housing and Communal Services of the Zhetysu region, in Taldykorgan, treatment of green spaces began on 15 April and is being carried out in three stages using the preparation "Thiamethrin SC" — a combined insecticide based on thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin.
The FBRK editorial team has previously recorded the use of this same preparation in disinsection in Shymkent.
In Tekeli, treatment took place from 7 to 9 April — using "Karate Zeon" with the active substance lambda-cyhalothrin.
The authorities claim compliance with sanitary standards and public notification. However, the substances used are associated with a number of risks.
Thiamethoxam belongs to the neonicotinoids, affects the nervous system of insects and makes plants toxic to pests. These substances are linked to the decline in bee populations, and in European Union countries, their outdoor use is banned. In humans, it can cause dizziness, vomiting, and affect the liver and kidneys.
Lambda-cyhalothrin is a pyrethroid, extremely toxic to aquatic organisms. It can cause long-term changes in the aquatic environment and, if application conditions are violated, negatively affects the human cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Treatment is carried out in parks and other green areas where the public may come into contact with treated surfaces.
AN AGRICULTURAL PREPARATION IS USED IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
"Thiamethrin SC" is intended for the protection of agricultural crops and is used in field treatment.
Thus, this concerns a field pesticide, not a specialised product for the urban environment. Nevertheless, in 2026 it is being applied in parks and public gardens where direct public contact is possible.
TREATMENT IS ALSO CARRIED OUT OUTSIDE SETTLEMENTS
Chemical preparations are also used outside cities.
According to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Zhetysu region, treatment is planned over an area of over 1,440 hectares of forest fund.
Work will be carried out by ground-based methods using insecticides, however, the specific preparations and their composition are not specified in the response.
THE PRACTICE OF USING CHEMICALS HAS PERSISTED FOR YEARS
The current situation in the region is systemic in nature.
In 2025, "Karate Super" (lambda-cyhalothrin) and "Diuron" (diflubenzuron), which is extremely toxic to freshwater invertebrates, were used.
In 2024, acetamiprid, deltamethrin and imidacloprid were used — substances associated with risks to the nervous system, respiratory organs and ecosystems.
In 2023, the preparations "Lyatrin", "Gerold", "Diuron" and "Favorit" were used, containing components toxic to aquatic invertebrates and bees.
BIOLOGICAL METHODS AND CONTROL ARE NOT SPECIFIED
The responses provided contain no information on the use of biological methods of insect control. In previous years, the regional authorities directly stated that such methods are not used.
Furthermore, it is not disclosed whether independent monitoring of the concentration of preparations is carried out, despite a corresponding question from the editorial team.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The situation in the Zhetysu region demonstrates a persistent practice of using chemical insecticides, including substances that are restricted or banned in several countries due to environmental risks.
The FBRK editorial team notes that the region continues to use preparations with known risks, including in urban areas.
Under these circumstances, the question arises as to why, when alternatives exist, the authorities continue to choose toxic substances without ensuring full transparency and public oversight.