Eliminate Cockroaches in Murcia: What Works and What Doesn't

Here in the Levante we have many good things: the sun almost all year round, our enviable gastronomy, and the beaches. But let's be honest, our hot and humid climate has a "B side" that no one likes: the constant presence of cockroaches.

If you live in Cartagena or anywhere in the Region of Murcia, it has surely happened to you at some point. You go into the kitchen at night to drink water, turn on the light and... there it is. Or you walk down the street on a summer night and see the big ones running near the sewerage.

At Control de Plagas Levante we want to explain to you, in a simple way, what you are really facing and, above all, why the home remedies you usually buy at the supermarket often fail in the medium term.

The two unwanted "guests" in Murcia

Although there are thousands of species in the world, here in the region mainly two types give us trouble. Knowing how to differentiate them is key so that we can eliminate them successfully because they are not treated the same nor do they have the same habits.

1. The German Cockroach (The "Blonde" or "Coffee" one)

This is the typical small cockroach (1-1.5 cm) light brown in color. Its scientific name is Blattella germanica and it is the most frequent pest inside homes and hospitality businesses.

Where does it hide? It is the queen of the interior. It loves appliance motors, seeking the warmth of the refrigerator or dishwasher motor. They also take refuge in tile cracks and kitchen cabinet hinges.

The problem: They reproduce at breakneck speed. If you see one during the day, it usually means there are many more hidden that you don't see, indicating a very high population. In addition, they are very resistant to household insecticides.

2. The American Cockroach (The "Red" or "Flying" one)

It is the big one (can exceed 4-5 cm), reddish in color and with an "armored" appearance. Known scientifically as Periplaneta americana, it is the one that usually causes the most panic due to its size.

Where does it hide? They usually come from outside, mainly from the sewerage network, downpipes, or damp areas like basements and meter rooms. In the Old Town of Cartagena or coastal areas, they are very common due to environmental humidity.

The problem: The disgust and fear they provoke is immediate. In addition, they have the ability to enter flying (gliding) or climbing facades and pipes, sneaking through open windows or unsealed drains.

Why isn't the supermarket spray working?

This is the number one query we receive in our office: "I've used three cans of insecticide and they keep coming out." It has a logical explanation that many people are unaware of.

When you use a conventional aerosol, you kill the one you see at that moment by contact. But the gas irritates the rest of the colony, causing a stampede effect: you scatter them. Instead of having them located in the kitchen, they end up spread throughout the living room or bedrooms fleeing the smell.

Furthermore, over the years, these species have become incredibly resistant to those basic poisons. The continued use of these household products often only manages to worsen the situation by spreading the pest.

The professional solution: Each pest requires a technique

At Control de Plagas Levante we do not believe in "magic formulas" that work for everything. Treating a small appearance in a domestic kitchen is not the same as a severe infestation in a commercial premise or a community of neighbors.

Therefore, our value is not only the product we use but the prior diagnosis:

Does this imply inconvenience? Only just enough and necessary. If we have to fumigate, we will indicate the exact safety periods so that you, your family, and your pets are 100% safe. We strictly comply with regulations so that the remedy is effective without being a risk.

If you have seen any "guest" in your kitchen, do not wait for them to lay eggs. Call us or write us a WhatsApp right now and recover the peace of mind of your home before it becomes a bigger problem.