April 2025 brought an unexpected headline to Mbare. Bedbugs, known as tsikidzi in Shona, emerged as a growing menace across the high-density suburb. As the infestation spread, residents began circulating theories about the origin of the pests, which thrive in warm, humid conditions. However, none of these claims have been supported by evidence.
Antony Muronda, a resident of the densely populated Matererini Flats, shared one such theory.
“Some say that bedbugs came from the Avenues area in town and then migrated to Mbare,” he said. No official findings have confirmed this claim.
Another Matererini Flats resident, Mr Madzikatire, recounted his first encounter with the pests. After returning home late from his welding job in the Magaba industrial area, he went to sleep, only to be awakened in the middle of the night by persistent bites.
“I turned on the light, and there they were, bedbugs,” he said.
At the time, reports of infestations were already circulating in the neighbourhood, which helped him identify the insects. He explained that bedbugs feed at night and hide in tight spaces such as between mattresses and bed bases, as well as in couches. Their bites, he added, cause severe itching and skin irritation.
Before intervention from the Ministry of Health, residents around Matererini Flats attempted to contain the infestation using home remedies. Some poured boiling water onto sofas, kitchen units, beds, and other confined spaces. Others mixed hot water with washing powder, but many reported that the bedbugs would only “faint” rather than die. As a result, some residents resorted to crushing the insects by hand.
Later, several households began using a chemical known locally as dicrevose. According to residents, the chemical produced better results, with many confirming that it significantly reduced the infestation.
The social impact was also felt. Residents reported a sharp decline in visits between households due to fear of spreading the bugs.
Mr Tapera, a tuck-shop owner and resident, warned that the situation required urgent attention.
“The government should come in with proper chemicals to curb this menace before it affects small businesses and becomes a national disaster,” he said.
