- Environmental association Anecpla has warned of possible cockroach plagues
- Experts say higher temperatures and genetic mutations are to blame
Brits traveling to Spain this summer could face cockroach infestations due to climate change and genetic mutations.
The Spanish environmental association Anecpla has sounded the alarm. She says the horrible insects will come out in large numbers and will show a very noticeable increase due to the higher temperatures.
They are warning all bars, restaurants, hotels and other businesses in the hospitality industry to take urgent action if they notice early signs of cockroach infestations.
Warning that a “summer of significant cockroach infestations is coming,” Anecpla general manager Jorge Galván said: “On the one hand, the increase in temperatures due to climate change is causing insects such as bedbugs or cockroaches, in this case, to increase their growth exponentially accelerate. life cycle.’
“On the other hand, there is evidence that cockroaches have suffered in recent years from a series of random genetic mutations that make them resistant to the biocide products used to combat them until now,” he added.
Tourists in Spain could face cockroach infestations, experts warn.
Spanish environmental association Anecpla has said that higher temperatures and genetic mutations are the reason for possible cockroach infestations.
Anecpla recommends keeping the area clean, avoiding water leaks, sealing cracks and holes, and using trash containers with tight lids to prevent cockroach invasion.
This is reported by a Spanish news channel La RazonSo far this year, the country’s authorities have reported a significant increase in cockroach infestations: a 33% increase compared to the 2023 rate.
Anecpla said it has been scientifically proven that cockroaches, like many other insects, multiply their reproduction rate from 28 degrees Celsius.
“The heat comes in mid-spring and doesn’t end until well into autumn, so the cockroach populations have just expanded,” says Mr Galván.
Adding to the problem are the increasingly strict restrictions coming from Europe on legislation related to the use of biocides, he explained.
“Of course, environmental health professionals evaluate the cost-benefit ratio that exists depending on the situation, and where possible we prefer physical and biological measures over chemical measures,” the Anecpla boss said.
‘But if no other solution is possible to adequately combat a pest such as cockroaches in this case, its use is essential.’
To prevent contamination, Anecpla recommended staying clean, avoiding water leaks, sealing cracks and holes and using waste containers with tight lids.
‘One of the biggest risks from cockroaches is the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses that can transmit major diseases to humans. A particularly important problem within the food industry, as these insects act as reservoirs for bacteria and viruses that they spread due to their unhealthy habits and the place where they live,” Mr Galvan warned.