Vaisigano residents seek assistance on unidentified swarms of black bugs

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 19 JANUARY 2022: Residents of the Vaisigano No.1 district on the western end of Savaii Island have sought the assistance of the Scientific Research Organisation Samoa (SROS), to examine swarms of unidentified black bugs intruding their homes mainly in the evenings.

The Member of Parliament for Vaisigano No.1., Niuava Eti Malolo described the bugs as similar to mosquitoes but a lot darker and a slightly larger.

“This is the first time we’ve seen these and we’re not sure if they’re insects and are beginning to infect the children hence why we sought the assistance of the Minister and SROS to look into this,” he said.

He said the bugs are attracted to light and are often seen in swarms around night time, and are too much for families to handle especially during dinner time.

“We started to see this insect during the holidays when we went to Savaii for New Years and we couldn’t sit properly at night time because there were just too much of this bug flying around in people’s homes,” Niuava said.

A closer look at the bugs on the floor after being sprayed by mortein.

The Associate Minister of Works said the bug has begun to impact the neighbouring districts as well.

The Minister of SROS, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao confirmed that a team from the Scientific Research Organization Samoa is in Savaii to look into this.