In Tallinn, Pirita and Haabersti have many invasive insects. Tons of insects are being collected in their containers weekly.
Anna Levandi, the district elder of Haabersti, says that some containers are emptied every week. The main invasive species are the brown marmorated stink bug and the Spanish slug. Efforts are being made to stop their spread.
Five insect containers were placed in Pirita in June. They are emptied once a week. Haabersti has eight containers, most of them in Kakumäe. Compared to 2020, the number of containers has quadrupled.
Since June, 780 kg of insects have been collected in Haabersti. On July 1st, there were 440 kg in the containers, and by July 10th, another 340 kg had been added. In Pirita, there were 110 kg of insects in the containers on June 27th. They were taken to the Maardu crematorium for destruction.
Anna Levandi says that collecting insects in containers helps control invasive species. Insects cannot be taken elsewhere because they may lay eggs there.
Monica Raud, Pirita's communication specialist, asks that no other waste be thrown into the containers.
The Haabersti district government is organizing insect collection events on Kakumäe and Veskimetsa on July 26th.