The FBRK editorial team continues its analysis of the substances used for disinsection of urban plantings in the regions of Kazakhstan in 2025. In Pavlodar, a combined approach is used: biological preparations to combat insect larvae and chemical agents to create a barrier defence around the city. The analysis showed a continuation of the practice from 2024, with the same traditional problems of monitoring the use of potentially hazardous substances.
COMBINED APPROACH: BIOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS PLUS CHEMICALS
According to the official response from the Akimat of Pavlodar Region, disinsection activities in the region traditionally begin with phenological observations in April and continue until July. In 2025, the first local treatments of green spaces against the larval stage of biting midges began on 9 April.
To combat the larval stage of mosquitoes and midges, a biological preparation called 'Baktitsid', based on the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, was used, which is marketed as environmentally safe for environmental objects. It is worth recalling that in 2024, entomology expert Yermek Gabdullin explained the principle of action of such biological preparations: when ingested by insects, they cause damage to the intestinal tract, while remaining safe for aquatic organisms.
However, a complete abandonment of chemical preparations is currently impossible. As experts noted, eradicating all biting midges at the larval stage is difficult, and flying adults are more resistant to biological preparations. Furthermore, the complete extermination of insects is unacceptable, as this could disrupt a stable ecosystem. Therefore, to protect against adult insects in Pavlodar, treatments were carried out on areas from the railway bridge to the Usolskaya Dam along the embankment.
CHEMICAL PREPARATIONS USED AND THEIR RISKS
For barrier protection, the chemical preparations 'K-Otrine', 'PHOBI' and 'Solfak' were used, the dosage of which must not exceed the norms recommended by the manufacturer. The main active ingredients of these preparations are deltamethrin, cyfluthrin and d-allethrin. It is noted that all preparations are authorised for use in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Eurasian Economic Union.
However, each of the substances used carries certain risks if safety precautions are not observed.
Deltamethrin, which belongs to the group of pyrethroid insecticides, if application technology is violated, can cause allergic reactions and symptoms of acute poisoning: uncoordinated movements, shortness of breath, headache, convulsions and difficulty breathing. The substance is extremely toxic to bees and aquatic organisms, especially fish. International studies note that many insect species have developed resistance to deltamethrin, which calls into question the effectiveness of its widespread use.
Cyfluthrin is also characterised by high toxicity to the aquatic environment, has pronounced toxicity to aquatic organisms and bees, and may have a neurotoxic effect at high doses.
D-Allethrin is very toxic to the aquatic environment with a long-lasting effect, is highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms, and if used incorrectly can cause respiratory tract irritation and neurotoxic symptoms.
At the same time, it is critically important to adhere to the recommended concentration of solutions – a weak concentration provides a temporary effect, while an excessive one can harm other fauna and people.
QUESTIONS OF CONTROL AND INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
It is reported that information about the activities carried out is regularly published on the official Instagram page @gnus_tabigat_pv and covered in the media. All stages of treatment, including the preparation of working solutions, are carried out accompanied by a scientific group and the client.
To increase the transparency of the disinsection process, it would be advisable to consider the possibility of involving members of the public or independent experts to monitor compliance with concentration standards when preparing working solutions of the preparations. The development of mechanisms for public oversight of the safety of preparations used in the urban environment could help minimise the risks of violations of technological requirements and increase public trust in the activities undertaken.
CONCLUSION
An analysis of disinsection approaches in Pavlodar in 2025 shows a continuation of the practice of combined use of biological and chemical methods for insect control. The use of a biological preparation to control larvae demonstrates the application of environmentally safe technologies, which can be considered a positive trend.
The use of chemical preparations with the active ingredients deltamethrin, cyfluthrin and d-allethrin requires strict compliance with all safety regulations and constant monitoring of concentrations. When used correctly, these preparations can effectively address disinsection tasks; however, failure to comply with technological requirements may pose risks to aquatic ecosystems, bees, and human health.
The development of a public oversight system and increased transparency in information sharing could contribute to the further improvement of disinsection practices in the region. Pavlodar's experience with the combined use of biological and chemical methods may be of interest to other regions, provided that all safety requirements are strictly observed.
The FBRK editorial team will continue to monitor the disinsection situation in the regions of Kazakhstan.