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Date Published: 16/04/2024

Mutant cockroaches take over Spanish homes

Climate change has resulted in a surge of insecticide-resistant cockroaches in Spain

It takes a person made of very stern stuff indeed to not cringe at the sight of a cockroach, an insect that has already begun making an unwelcome appearance in homes and restaurants across Spain thanks to an extremely mild spring. But if the mere thought of these creepy crawlies makes you shudder, imagine cockroaches that you simply can't kill.

This appears to be the case with the blonde or Germanic cockroach – your typical home invader that plagues kitchens up and down the country. Because of climate change, these pests have become almost invincible to insecticides, something which is creating a serious public health problem.

The continuous rise in temperatures is leading to genetic mutations in these cockroaches. According to Jorge Galván, General Director of Anecpla (National Association of Environmental Health Companies), the heat accelerates their metabolic cycle, resulting in insects becoming resistant to insecticides.

Carlos Pradera, Technical Manager of Anticimex, corroborates this, stating that the cockroach's genetic development has made controlling it significantly more challenging.

"The more we try to combat it, the more it adapts and withstands our efforts," he summed up.

Consequently, the occurrence of this arthropod has been increasing in residential areas and establishments like bars and restaurants. In fact, reports indicate a 32% surge in cockroach infestations in 2023 compared to 2022, and an additional 33% growth in 2024.

These genetic changes can almost certainly be attributed to climate change, Mr Galván believes, since Spain's shift from a subtropical climate to a tropical one has elongated hot seasons and shortened cold ones. Pests now emerge earlier and remain active for a more extended period, leading to a prolonged breeding season and higher population numbers. But the blonde cockroach isn't unique in this regard. Other insects like the tiger mosquito are also becoming immune to treatments.

For years, the blonde cockroach was eradicated using different sprays but when it was discovered that these were harmful to the environment, most people switched to 'sweet baits'. Unfortunately, recent mutations have resulted in cockroaches no longer consuming these traps, transforming the issue from one of control to public health.

As controlling the cockroach becomes more difficult, the old adage 'prevention is better than cure' comes into play. The experts all agree that the best way to deter these pests is to ensure high hygiene standards, such as frequently sweeping floors and wiping down kitchen surfaces.

Also of interest: Handy tricks to rid your home of cockroaches this summer

Image: Freepik

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