Shocking: Massive cockroach infestation taking over Hungary?

In recent weeks, numerous people across Hungary have reported on various forums that increasing numbers of cockroaches have been found in their homes. Should we fear a cockroach infestation in Hungary? 

As Telex reports, these insects are typically encountered in suburban areas, particularly in Budapest. The HUN-REN Ecological Centre has issued a statement on the matter. Dávid Korányi, a researcher at the centre, clarified:

“There is no cause for alarm, as the insects being encountered are amber wood cockroaches, not the disease-spreading German variant. These creatures are non-parasitic, do not bite, do not spread diseases, and do not trigger allergic reactions, so chemical extermination is unnecessary.”

Increase in amber wood cockroach sightings

According to Korányi, there is no need to treat them in the same way as mosquitoes, as they are harmless and die within a few days once inside the home. He also stressed that the use of chemical repellents is not recommended against mosquitoes either, as many other insect species fall victim to these products. For amber wood cockroaches, insect screens and keeping lights off while ventilating rooms in the evening are sufficient precautions, as light attracts these insects.

Some species are often confused with the so-called “German cockroach” (Blattella germanica), but upon closer inspection, the German variant – which can spread diseases and thrives on kitchen scraps – has two small parallel stripes on its thorax, which amber wood cockroaches lack. Another distinction between the more common household cockroaches and their woodland relatives is that woodland species can fly, while German, American (Periplaneta americana), and Oriental (Blatta orientalis) cockroaches do not. (Although American cockroaches have occasionally been observed flying or gliding short distances, usually from higher places.) Moreover, woodland species tend to prefer more natural habitats compared to their urban counterparts.

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Differences in species

The amber wood (or amber forest) cockroach is one of the most common non-native species in Hungary, first recorded in 2005, primarily in the capital and surrounding areas in garden and park habitats. Its native range lies south of the Alps, but today the species is widespread throughout the Mediterranean region, southern Germany, Turkey, and the Caucasus. Due to the warming of both the micro- and macroclimate, this species – often introduced through imported goods, such as houseplants – is now able to survive even the coldest months in Hungary. Adult specimens are typically seen from June until the end of summer, with peak activity in late August and September, after which their numbers quickly dwindle.

They prefer cooler, more humid environments, which may explain why they seek refuge in the greener, cooler areas of large cities during hotter and drier periods. They have many natural predators, including rodents, predatory insects, frogs, and lizards. Amber wood cockroaches pose no threat to humans, as they do not spread diseases, do not feed on kitchen scraps, and generally cannot survive indoors for more than one or two days.

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Author: Gábor Sebestyén

Source: telex.hu