Officials and citizens demonstrate how to fumigate ahead of launching a joint quarantine committee to protect the people of Yangcheon, southwestern Seoul, earlier this month as the warm weather has arrived. / Korea Times photos by Shim Hyun-chul

By Shim Hyun-chul

A vehicle drives slowly through an alley while leaving billowing clouds of foggy insecticide from behind. One is reminded of running and following the dense yet airy smoke as a child with friends in the neighborhood maze of alleys.

As the weather gets warmer, more bugs are out and sanitation officials become busier.

The Yangcheon District Office launched the Government-Private Joint Disinfection Squad 2012 to protect the health of residents.

Composed of 141 officials ― 13 from public health centers and 129 from Saemaul Undong (New Movement) branches, they will work together on pest control to prevent possible epidemics.

At the launch ceremony, various methods of extermination such as eco-friendly ways using a natural enemy of mosquitoes were demonstrated.

“We try to keep our district clean and hygienic by disinfecting garbage containers and installing traps for harmful insects at local parks,” a district official said.

For more information, call (02) 2620-3883.