People heading to Spain warned of ‘super-cockroach’ plague set to hit this summer

People heading to Spain warned of ‘super-cockroach’ plague set to hit this summer

Holidaymakers planning a Spanish getaway are being alerted to the potential for encountering super cockroaches, bolstered by climate change.

Spanish environmentalists have sounded the alarm over an expected influx of these hardier insects, which could spell trouble for tourists. Anecpla, Spain’s National Association of Environmental Health Companies, has issued a stark warning that bars, restaurants, and hotels should act swiftly at the first sign of an infestation.

The anticipated rise in cockroach numbers is attributed to higher temperatures and longer summers. “A summer of significant cockroach infestations is approaching,” Anecpla’s general director Jorge Galvan announced.

He explained that the warming climate is causing pests such as bedbugs and cockroaches to speed up their life cycles dramatically.

Anecpla has also highlighted research indicating that cockroaches breed more rapidly at temperatures above 28C. Moreover, stricter EU regulations on certain pesticides are making it increasingly difficult for pest control services to effectively manage these populations.

“The heat arrives in the middle of spring and does not end until well into autumn, so cockroach populations have only expanded,” Jorge added.

He cautioned that recent years have seen the emergence of random genetic mutations in cockroaches, rendering them resistant to the biocide products previously used for their control.

“Of course, environmental health professionals evaluate the cost-benefit that exists depending on the situation and we give preference whenever possible to physical and biological measures over chemical ones,” the Anecpla chief remarked. “But when there is no other possible solution for the adequate control of a pest such as, in this case, cockroaches, its use is essential.”

Cockroaches pose one of the greatest risks by spreading harmful bacteria and viruses that can transmit diseases to humans, a particularly acute issue within the food industry.

Tourists noticing infestations should report them to their accommodation providers. Preventing infestations involves maintaining cleanliness, not leaving out food, orderly storage of products, and using rubbish bins with secure lids.

Hotels and eateries are advised to also implement these preventive measures, along with sealing any gaps or openings in walls and scheduling regular checks by environmental health experts.

Last year, holidaymakers were appalled by a spike in bed bug incidents across various regions in the UK and Europe.

Bed bugs are considered the most disruptive common pest infestations in the UK. These nocturnal creatures invade bedrooms to feed on human blood, causing skin redness, itchiness and psychological distress.

In the previous year, bed bug populations surged in European capitals like Paris, where swarms of these pests took over hotel rooms and were even seen emerging from the cushioned seats of a public train. The bed bug season typically starts at the end of spring each year and concludes at the start of November, aligning with the rise in summer travel.

View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/people-heading-spain-warned-super-29252639

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