As temperatures climb across Morocco this summer, Casablanca is experiencing a seasonal increase in reptiles, rodents, and insects venturing closer to residential areas. This has prompted a public awareness campaign on how to prevent potentially dangerous encounters.
The Moroccan Association of Pest Control, Insect Control, Reptile Control, and Disinfection Professionals (AM3D) has launched an awareness campaign to educate residents about the risks posed by scorpion stings, snake bites, and the seasonal spread of insects and rodents.
Across several neighborhoods in the city, specialist teams have stepped up field operations, inspecting high-risk areas and treating locations where pests are more likely to thrive during the hotter months.
“Seeing more reptiles during the summer is completely normal,” said Fatima Zahra El Assouli, AM3D’s vice president. “As cold-blooded animals, they become more active at this time of year in search of food, water, and cooler places. Summer is also their breeding season.”
According to El Assouli, rapid urbanization, household waste, and stagnant water create favorable conditions for the spread of insects, rodents, and reptiles in urban areas. She added that outdoor activities during the summer also increase the likelihood of people coming into contact with these species.
She urged residents not to attempt to deal with snakes or scorpions themselves. “If a snake or scorpion is spotted, people should contact a professional and avoid using products sold through unregulated channels,” she said.
AM3D stated that its reptile control operations rely on environmentally friendly methods rather than toxic chemicals.
“We do not kill snakes using poisonous products,” El Assouli said. “Instead, we use repellents made from natural substances, particularly essential oils, which affect their sense of smell and drive them away from residential areas.”
This approach aligns with Moroccan legislation protecting wild species due to their ecological role. Snakes are protected under Law 29.05 on the protection of wild flora and fauna species and the regulation of their trade, as well as the international Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
El Assouli warned that snake bites remain among the most dangerous incidents, particularly when medical treatment is delayed. To reduce the risks, the association recommends clearing piles of stones and wood around homes, maintaining gardens, checking shoes and clothing before wearing them, and avoiding walking barefoot at night in high-risk areas.
In the event of a snake bite or scorpion sting, specialists advise keeping the victim calm, avoiding unnecessary interventions, and seeking medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility as quickly as possible. They also warn against traditional practices such as cutting the wound or attempting to suck out the venom, which can worsen complications.
Residents can also contact the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre through its toll-free hotline, 0801000180, for medical guidance and advice on the appropriate response to bites and stings.
These recommendations come as official figures highlight the scale of the issue. In 2025, the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre recorded 20,583 scorpion stings and 405 snake bites nationwide.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection has launched the National Poisoning Prevention Week under the theme: “From prevention to treatment: Acting effectively against poisoning caused by scorpion stings and snake bites,” to raise public awareness of these seasonal risks.
Through its partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the Moroccan Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre, AM3D is also working to strengthen Morocco’s pest control sector in line with the World Health Organization’s One Health approach, which seeks to protect public health while preserving the environment and biodiversity.
