Insect infestations worsen, Catalonia braces for summer surge
Cockroaches, ticks, and tiger mosquitoes - the Spanish population has to contend with a plague of these insects. The situation is already unfavorable and is expected to deteriorate further. "The population of these insects will definitely increase in the summer," announced Andreu Garcia, vice-president of ADEPAP.
The problem for the Catalonians is compounded not only by the ongoing drought that has been troubling them for several months but also by a new plague of insects dangerous to human health, including cockroaches, travelling ticks, and tiger mosquitoes. Experts from the Catalan Association of Environmental Health Sector Companies (ADEPAP) are raising alarms about their prevalence.
Research by this organization indicates that the excessive presence of cockroaches in the northeastern region of Spain is primarily due to the high air temperatures that began in April.
A nightmare for dwellers and tourists
"The population of these insects will increase in the summer," reiterated ADEPAP vice-president Andreu Garcia. He added that the dry and warm weather promotes their reproduction.
Garcia also noted that current research indicates that no viruses, such as the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, which are sometimes carried by these insects, have been detected in the specimens found in Catalonia.
A problem in Spain
According to ADEPAP, cockroaches will be a significant issue during this year's holiday season. The most prevalent species currently in Catalonia is the American cockroach, a brown-colored variety. Another common household pest is the German cockroach, also known as Blattella germanica.
The Catalan organization also warned of an increased presence of tiger mosquitoes in Spain this year. This insect can carry diseases dangerous to humans, such as dengue fever or West Nile virus.
Spanish television channel Telecinco noted that these insects menace not only the residents of Catalonia but also the numerous vacationers arriving in the region. They added that the deepening drought and municipal announcements about potential water usage restrictions could further complicate the situation for tourists.
