Dobong-gu Resolves Outdoor Activity Difficulties Caused by Pests

From June 8, mosquito and tick repellents and mosquito larvicide products will be distributed free to residents... Two new automatic repellent dispensers installed on Dobongsan hiking trails

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Dobong-gu (Mayor Dong-jin Lee) has strengthened infectious disease prevention activities to prevent mosquito-borne and other vector-borne infectious diseases.

Dobong-gu has many mountains, forests, parks, and gardens due to its regional characteristics, which makes it a favorable habitat for mosquitoes and flying insects, causing considerable inconvenience to residents during outdoor activities.

Accordingly, as the season for increased outdoor activities approaches, the district has intensified infectious disease prevention efforts to alleviate discomfort caused by sanitary pests such as mosquitoes and ticks and to prevent vector-borne infectious diseases, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor activities with peace of mind.

Starting June 8, the district will provide “portable mosquito and tick repellents” and “household mosquito larvicide” for disinfecting septic tanks at homes to reduce mosquito populations free of charge at nearby community service centers. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For mosquito larvicides intended for septic tanks in large buildings such as schools, apartments, and commercial complexes, residents can visit the Dobong-gu Public Health Center’s Health and Hygiene Division.

In particular, on May 22, the district installed and began operating two “automatic repellent dispensers” at the entrances of Dobongsan hiking trails, popular leisure spots for residents.

The “automatic repellent dispensers” are installed at two locations: one past the Dobongsan Dobong Exploration Support Center near Tongilgyo, and another beside the Bukhansan Ecological Exploration Center.

The newly installed automatic repellent dispensers are easy to use by pulling the dispenser handle to spray repellent on arms, legs, and clothing. They will operate annually from April to November, coinciding with the period when tick-borne infectious diseases occur.

When using the automatic repellent dispensers to spray repellent on skin or outerwear, excluding the face and neck, the effect lasts about 4 to 5 hours. This helps prevent tick and other sanitary pest bites, reducing the risk of infectious diseases such as tsutsugamushi disease and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) that can arise from outdoor activities.

Especially, Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) has no preventive vaccine or treatment, so extra caution is required during the active tick season from April to November.

To prevent tick-borne infectious diseases, it is necessary to wear long-sleeved clothing and use repellents during outdoor activities, and to take special care such as using mats when sitting on grass.

Additionally, the district continuously conducts disinfection by patrolling residential areas, sewage pipes, riverbanks, and traditional markets by region. A rapid response disinfection team of eight staff members is also operated to promptly address areas with high pest activity.

From May 4 to October 31, Dobong-gu operates 246 eco-friendly pest control devices called “sanitary pest insecticides” in locations frequently used by residents for leisure activities, including Jungnangcheon Stream, Uicheon Stream, and parks.

Furthermore, the district has prepared two “mobile sanitary pest insecticides” for residents, institutions, and organizations to borrow year-round for outdoor events. Those interested can apply through the district’s Health and Hygiene Division.

Mayor Dong-jin Lee emphasized, “For effective mosquito control, larvicide activities involving all residents are the most effective. Especially during outdoor activities, wearing appropriate clothing, maintaining personal hygiene, and using repellents to avoid insect bites are of utmost importance.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.