Harare starts spraying Mbare flats as bedbug outbreak hits blocks

A fresh wave of bedbugs is crawling through Mbare flats, and City officials are warning residents to get on board or risk making the mess worse.

Outbreak spreads across the Mbare blocks

• The City of Harare confirmed infestations in Nenyere, Matapi, and Shawasha.
• Matererini and Mbare flats are also caught up in it.
• Surrounding areas are dealing with the same itchy problem.
• Officials linked the flare-up to imported second-hand clothes.

Spraying campaign and enforcement

• Health teams kicked off chemical spraying on 19 February 2026.
• Council crews are moving block by block through affected buildings.
• Authorities warned that denying entry could trigger enforcement steps.
• Harare officials said non-compliance risks reinfesting nearby rooms.

What residents are told to do

• Residents must open rooms and shift furniture from the walls.
• Households are urged to clear clutter and dump old junk.
• Bedding and clothes should be washed before treatment starts.
• Parents are told to keep children away during spraying.

Prevention tips from the City

• The City of Harare advised caution with second-hand clothes and furniture.
• Buyers should inspect mabhero and mattresses before bringing them home.
• Overcrowded rooms and packed corners make hiding spots worse.
• Cracks in walls or floors should be sealed and sightings reported.