Autumn conditions in Spain are lighting up warnings from the National Association of Environmental Healthcare Companies (Anecpla) about a surge in pests, notably mosquitoes and cockroaches. Warmer spells, followed by recent rains, have created ideal breeding grounds in several regions, increasing concerns about public health and sanitation (Anecpla).
Humidity combined with heat is reactivating pest populations, with a particular emphasis on mosquitoes. Experts point to a heightened risk of tiger mosquito activity, especially in the Levante area, given its capacity to transmit diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. In recent days, two cases involving the common mosquito that vectors West Nile Virus were detected, underscoring the ongoing threat (Anecpla).
Anecpla describes the summer climate pattern as a direct result of climate change, noting sustained heat waves followed by storms and lingering high temperatures. This combination fuels the reproduction cycles of mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites, and other pests, creating a “powerful cocktail” that heightens public health risks, particularly from the Culex mosquito carrying West Nile Virus (Anecpla).
Jorge Galván, the association’s general manager, recalled that the West Nile Virus emerged in 2020 and has caused fatalities in Andalusia. He stressed that recent rains act as a trigger for a disproportionate rise in the populations of mosquitoes that transmit the virus, reinforcing the need for vigilance and action (Anecpla).
Public administrations and citizens are urged to implement significant prevention measures. This includes cleaning up mosquito breeding sites around homes and outdoor spaces, removing stagnant water from ponds, tanks, containers, and any place where water can collect. Such proactive steps are essential to slow down vector proliferation (Anecpla).
Turning to cockroaches, the most common species reported in Spain are Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis, and Periplaneta americana, commonly known as the German, black, and American cockroaches, respectively. These pests pose health risks and can damage foods and structures, making control a priority for communities and businesses alike (Anecpla).
Experts emphasize that control must begin immediately once a detection is made, given the cockroach life cycle and rapid reproduction. Under current climatic conditions, the primary danger is disease transmission linked to contamination, including illnesses such as salmonellosis and dysentery. Prompt action helps protect public health and limit secondary problems in hospitality and food service sectors (Anecpla).
For the hospitality industry, maintaining a clean, pest-free environment is crucial. A single sighting can tarnish a venue’s reputation, affecting customer trust and future business, a concern that Anecpla highlights as a top priority for managers and operators alike (Anecpla).
Tiger Mosquito: Extinction Is Not on the Table in Spain
Regarding the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), Anecpla argues that its spread has reached a point where extinction is unlikely in Spain. The organization notes that during the COVID-19 State of Alarm, many approved control measures could not be implemented in early 2020, allowing the species to establish a stronger foothold. Mosquito Alert data suggest a population that could be up to 70% higher than 2018, signaling a substantial rise in the vector’s presence (Anecpla).
Recent shortages of thermometers and persistent rains point to a potential spike in tiger mosquito activity in the coming weeks, with the Levante region singled out as particularly vulnerable. Sergio Monge, president of Anecpla, notes that this species has developed resistance to several insecticides, complicating management efforts.
Monge stresses that professional pest management and animal health experts must lead prevention and population control efforts to avoid further complications. Without specialized intervention, communities may face escalating challenges tied to this resilient vector and related health risks (Anecpla).
Environment department contact details have been removed to respect privacy and focus on actionable prevention patterns discussed above.