Lorraine Williamson
Spain is grappling with a disturbing summer surge in sightings of one of the world’s largest and most resilient cockroaches.
The reddish-brown Periplaneta americana, commonly known as the American cockroach, is appearing in increasing numbers across much of the country—and its name is a misnomer. Originally from Africa, the species spread globally via trade routes, taking hold first in the Americas and now emerging as a year-round nuisance in Spanish urban areas.
These pests aren’t just big—they fly. Adult males can glide short distances thanks to their long wings, a feature that makes them especially hard to eliminate. Fully grown, they measure up to five centimetres in length, with a preference for damp, dark, and warm environments—making sewers, drains, and the undersides of kitchen units their ideal hiding spots.
88% of Spanish territory affected
According to pest control experts at Anticimex, the American cockroach now infests 88% of Spain. Between 2020 and 2023, over 623,000 pest control operations were recorded, with confirmed reports in 1,022 municipalities. Particularly high concentrations have been noted in the south and east—especially in Seville, Cádiz, Murcia, as well as across the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Northern provinces like Soria, Ávila, and Zamora remain largely untouched for now, but experts warn it’s only a matter of time. The species thrives in heat and humidity, and with climate change intensifying those conditions across the Iberian Peninsula, its expansion seems inevitable.
A pest built for survival
First documented in Spain in 1796, the cockroach likely arrived in port cities aboard merchant ships from tropical regions. For decades, their presence remained relatively low-level. But, since the 1990s, sightings have skyrocketed in cities such as Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, and San Sebastián.
The insect’s survival skills are impressive. It can live for up to 15 months, lays dozens of eggs at a time, and adapts quickly to new environments. Hatching times vary depending on humidity and heat, allowing rapid population growth in favourable conditions.
Summer heatwave creating perfect storm
The combination of extreme heat, urban waste, poor drainage, and limited ventilation creates a perfect breeding ground. Even fumigation isn’t always effective. Cockroaches often scatter during treatments—a phenomenon known as the “flight effect”—leading to temporary infestations in surrounding homes.
Municipalities are stepping up control efforts, but many now face an uphill battle. Resistance to common insecticides is growing, and DIY methods are proving increasingly ineffective.
What you can do at home
To avoid an unwelcome encounter, pest control specialists recommend a proactive approach:
-
Keep food tightly sealed and stored
-
Clean up crumbs and food waste immediately
-
Seal gaps in walls, tiles, and skirting boards
-
Ventilate damp spaces such as bathrooms
-
Cover drains during fumigation or in infested areas
In more serious cases, professional pest control is essential. Left unchecked, infestations can grow rapidly and even lead to health concerns due to potential contamination.
Not just a nuisance, but a warning
The spread of Periplaneta americana is more than a summertime annoyance—it’s a warning signal. As climate patterns shift and ecosystems respond, pests once confined to tropical zones are establishing themselves further north and in urban settings. The American cockroach’s dominance in Spain could soon be mirrored elsewhere in Europe, unless cities and residents act decisively.
Sources: