An infestation of tree bugs is worrying residents of Turksib District in Almaty. The insects are entering apartments, getting into food and beds, despite regular pest control, according to a report on the website of TV channel KTK.
The bugs have literally overrun the courtyards and façades of houses. Local residents claim the insects cover walls, windows, and get onto window sills, floors, and curtains. People are afraid to open windows in hot weather — it only makes the situation worse.
"They get into your food when you're cooking. When you fall asleep, they get into your bed. They can also crawl into your ear," one resident of the affected area, Marina Aksinenko, told journalists.
Some residents have temporarily left their homes. Natalya Pudovkina and her husband have moved in with relatives.
"I have repeatedly contacted the akimat about cutting down trees. Of course, a huge number of them live in the bark of these old trees," she stated.
Meanwhile, the Department of Ecology and Environment of Almaty confirmed that pest control is carried out regularly. According to the chief specialist of the department, Daulet Bakhytzhanov, work began back in April and will continue until mid-September.
"Treatment is carried out daily and covers all districts of Almaty city. Tree bugs do not pose a threat to human health or to the trees. This is not grounds for cutting down vegetation," says Bakhytzhanov.
However, botanists do not share the officials' confidence. According to research fellow at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Madina Izmailova, Almaty's climate creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of these insects. A single female tree bug can lay up to 200 eggs.
"If you treat one courtyard but not the neighbouring one, it's pointless. They have wings; they'll just fly over. Comprehensive measures are needed: sanitary pruning of dry branches, removing old bark, biological methods — attracting birds," the specialist emphasised.
The editorial board of the FBRK urges city residents to exercise extreme caution when tackling insects on their own and to contact only professionals. Incorrect use of insecticides can lead to serious consequences — for example, in 2023 in Aktau, two children died from poisoning after treating an apartment with bug repellent. Such tragedies can be prevented by observing safety rules.