Rove beetles plague Shineville Garden residents

GEORGE TOWN (September 28): The residents of Shineville Garden condominium in Ayer Itam have endured infestation of rove beetles, or “Charlie Ants”, for four years now. 

The Star reports that despite regular fogging and pest control, the small orange and black beetles continue to return to plague residents. Some 10 reports have been lodged with the state Health Department.

Pederin, a highly toxic substance that is more potent than cobra venom, is released from these beetles when they are crushed, and it produces a skin irritation called dermatitis linearis. 

Residents have experienced bites which have caused inflammation and blisters, leaving scars that last a long time. 

Shineville Garden joint management body vice-chairman Choon Keong said the infestation caused nuisance to the 234 families at the condominium.

“The presence of rove beetles in the area is seasonal. They only come out from the grassy fields during rainy seasons.

“We have lodged over 10 reports and the Health Department has conducted fogging operations; the last in July.

“The management has also bought termite poison and sprayed them on every floor, but the rove beetles still return,” he said.

The daily reports that officers from the state Health Department collected samples of the rove beetles.

“We received an order on Tuesday to investigate the matter. We caught the rove beetles for analysis.

“We will decide on the next course of action once we have completed our investigations,” said an officer.

State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh was quoted as saying that rove beetles were typically found following the harvesting and burning of padi fields.

He theorized that the beetles may have been displaced, and were swarming the high-rise due to land clearing in their habitat. 

“The rove beetles or fire ants are attracted by lights. Their venom is six times more toxic than that of a cobra,” he said.

He recommends not to crush or hit the beetle if it comes into contact with skin, as the toxic substance would be released. 

“The recovery period may take about a month,” Phee says about injuries sustained from the beetle. 

“In case a victim has accidentally come into contact with the venom, wash it off immediately with running water,” he said.