Kirinyaga County moves to eradicate 'irritant' beetles

The County Government of Kirinyaga has stepped up measures to eradicate black carpet beetles that are giving residents in certain areas of the devolved unit sleepless nights.

The areas most infested by the insects include Mukinduri, Kagumo and Kerugoya in Kirinyaga Central.

The County Executive Committee Member for Medical Services, Public Health and Sanitation, George Karoki said though the beetles pose no physical harm to individuals, the infestation has been a nuisance to residents.

Karoki said a team of public health officials have sprayed homesteads and business premises with pesticides to reduce the damage being caused by the beetles.

He noted that the County Government has been visiting affected villages in the last two weeks to curb the pests, whose concentration has been mainly in areas illuminated by floodlights. 

He attributed the outbreak to the heavy rains that pounded the area for about five continuous weeks.

Karoki noted that with the help of Community Health Promoters, the County Government has been able to identify the affected households.

“The support by Governor Anne Waiguru in the provision of the required chemicals and manpower had gone a long way in enabling a successful control of the beetle,” he said.

The CEC pointed out that there has been significant reduction in the beetle population since the exercise begun.

He assured residents that the beetles posed no physical harm to people though the infestation is an irritation. He said that the beetles are expected to reduce further once the rains subside.

At the height of the infestation, Jane Wambura, a businessperson from Mukinduri was forced to close her business due to the insects.

She has however resumed her business after successful control of the pests.

Simon Muregi from the same neighborhood said that were it not for prompt response by the authorities, the situation could have run out of hand.

“We are happy because the spraying exercise has significantly reduced the beetle population and we can now go on with our business,” he said.

Black Carpet Beetle is one of the most common and most destructive of the carpet beetle species. They cause damage to household items such as carpets, furniture and clothing.