A viral video depicting a massive rodent presence on a banyan tree in Hong Kong’s San Po Kong neighborhood has prompted immediate action from government hygiene and leisure departments, highlighting persistent challenges in urban pest control. Stage actor Terrence Leung’s footage, shared widely on social media platforms, captured dozens of rats scaling the tree on Ning Yuen Street, leading to public concern and an official assessment of the site’s hygiene status.
The incident occurred near the Choi Hung Road junction, specifically at a bus stop adjacent to the San Po Kong Sitting-out Area. The dramatic footage showed the vermin seemingly unbothered by human proximity as they darted along the tree’s roots and trunk towards the canopy. Leung estimated the tree might shelter more than a hundred rats, provoking a flurry of online commentary speculating on the cause—some suggesting nearby construction work might have displaced the population, while others noted the unusual number of rodents seen climbing trees in the typically rat-prone neighborhood.
Coordinating Government Response
In the wake of the public outcry, two key government agencies—the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)—mobilized to address the reported infestation.
The FEHD confirmed that the affected spot falls under the jurisdiction of a leisure facility overseen by the LCSD, which bears responsibility for routine cleaning and pest management. FEHD officers visited the site immediately, providing technical guidance to LCSD staff on enhanced suppression techniques. The department committed to maintaining strict rodent control operations in surrounding public areas, utilizing traps and bait as needed.
The LCSD, which manages the sitting-out area, detailed its systematic approach to pest prevention. The department reported its contractor performed scheduled extermination work on November 12. Following the video report, a detailed inspection and targeted operation were carried out on November 17. On the same day, LCSD and FEHD conducted a joint site visit aimed at pinpointing the source of the problem, coordinating control strategies, and assessing the effectiveness of previously implemented measures.
Ongoing Prevention and Public Hygiene
Despite the high-profile sighting, the FEHD clarified that the specific location has not been designated a formal rodent blackspot. This distinction, however, does not diminish the departments’ commitment to eliminating the problem.
The LCSD emphasized its dedication to upholding cleanliness standards, noting that contractors are engaged for preventative work every two weeks. These regular efforts include placing and replenishing bait boxes and traps. Daily tasks focus on structural environmental hygiene, such as clearing refuse and fallen leaves, thoroughly cleaning flowerbeds, and actively targeting potential rodent nesting areas and travel paths.
Joint actions between the FEHD and LCSD are set to be continuous, involving close monitoring and coordination to ensure public health standards are met. This inter-departmental cooperation is crucial for sustained success in managing urban wildlife populations, particularly in high-density areas.
To effectively curb urban rodent populations, experts often recommend a coordinated strategy involving both professional pest control and public participation. Residents can play a part by:
- Securing Waste: Ensuring trash is properly sealed and disposed of in designated bins.
- Removing Food Sources: Avoiding careless disposal of food waste in public areas, which attracts vermin.
- Reporting Sightings: Immediately contacting local authorities (like the FEHD or LCSD) when experiencing significant infestations.
The San Po Kong incident underscores the ongoing necessity for hyper-vigilance in urban hygiene management. While authorities ramp up efforts to eliminate the immediate threat, the sustained partnership between government bodies and the community is vital to preventing future large-scale rodent flare-ups.