Severe Mosquito Infestation Plagues Kfar Saba Neighborhoods and Schools

Residents of Kfar Saba are grappling with a severe mosquito infestation that has severely disrupted daily life, leaving parks, balconies, and even kindergarten yards virtually unusable. Local families report relentless biting, severe itching, and sleepless nights, with many complaining that municipal hotline calls are closed without any resolution.

The infestation spans numerous neighborhoods across the city, including HaParshim, HaDramim, HaShekhuna HaYeruka, HaRishonim, and Tkuma, as well as Hanita, Arlozorov, and Nordau streets. Parents have expressed mounting frustration, noting that children return from municipal kindergartens covered in bites and that standard requests for standing water inspections often yield no action from city authorities.

Dr. Dil Samara, manager of the Clalit Kaplan clinic in Kfar Saba, reported a sharp rise in patient inquiries regarding severe insect bites. She noted that children and adults suffer from intense swelling, redness, and persistent itching that disrupts sleep even after antihistamine treatment, recommending soothing agents like aloe vera or Fenistil for relief.

In response, the Kfar Saba municipality stated that it conducts year-round preventive measures, including regular water reservoir monitoring, biological pest control using sterile mosquitoes, and targeted spraying. Officials emphasized that mosquito activity can persist into autumn due to weather conditions and urged residents to drain private standing water sources such as flowerpots and buckets.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environmental Protection clarified that under the law, local authorities bear full responsibility for mosquito monitoring, prevention, and extermination. The ministry stated that no direct citizen complaints had been filed with its offices, but confirmed it has contacted city officials to verify that necessary abatement operations are actively being carried out.