Mosquito problem | Food and Environmental Hygiene Department expects mosquito trap index to rise, urges implementation of mosquito prevention measures

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said that as spring temperatures rise, members of the public and property management companies should review the premises’ environment and implement anti-mosquito measures as early as possible before the rainy season, to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

The department noted that although the latest mosquito trap index for Asian tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in all districts is still at the lowest Level 1, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus is not widespread, it is expected that the index will rise as the weather warms and rainfall increases. The FEHD has launched a series of strengthening efforts to minimize the risk of mosquito infestation. Earlier, it coordinated relevant departments to carry out citywide mosquito-control operations targeting areas around district residences, schools, construction sites, and other venues. These actions include removing standing water to prevent mosquito-borne problems and regularly killing adult mosquitoes using an ultra-low-volume spraying method.

In addition, the FEHD will liaise with site managers, schools, property management companies, and other venue managers through relevant departments and the Hong Kong Property Management Services Authority (HKPMSA) to remind them to do a good job in mosquito prevention and to provide technical advice. The FEHD is also working jointly with the Education Bureau to gradually install new mosquito traps in registered kindergartens, primary schools, and special schools to further help strengthen mosquito-control efforts on campus.