The phenomenon of cockroaches is strongly recorded in the first part of this summer, as it had been in the past two summers, in Larissa.

According to the experts, their population is large and this is due to the fact that no severe winters preceded it.

This year, however, the phenomenon was strengthened even more by the fact that the floods were also recorded a few months ago.

The main feature of the situation is that cockroaches appear in various parts of the city, as the fact that it is a species with wings allows them to move faster.

At the same time, however, DEVAL continues spraying in places with grates immediately after the citizens’ notifications. However, in order to have a substantial result, there should be a combination of actions, both by DEVAL and by the citizens with house spraying.

Mr. Giorgos Statiris is an agronomist and these days he has not stopped spraying.

“Three weeks ago, this year’s appearance of many cockroaches started suddenly and continues at this rate” he states and argues that the reason for this is because “it was not a heavy winter and their nests were not damaged. If we also include the floods that occurred, as well as the high temperatures, we can explain this large number”.

The cockroaches in question are the species Periplaneta americana and, according to data found on relatively specialized websites, they are the largest species of cockroach found in our country. The American cockroach prefers humidity and heat, while avoiding climates that are cold for even a few months of the year. The American cockroach is the largest species found in the Western world. Its average size is 4 cm and 7 mm high. Their color is red-brown and they have a characteristic yellow section at the point behind the head. It is extremely agile, as it can move at a speed of up to 5.4 km/h. It is considered as one of the fastest insects in the world. The fully grown American cockroach develops fully formed wings and can fly, as reported on specialized sites.

“A few years ago the phenomenon of these cockroaches was mainly located in the center of Larissa. But now the problem is generalized. In all areas we see the specific cockroaches that move easily because of their wings,” notes Mr. Statiris.

Regarding the way in which such a situation is solved, he explains that “there should be a combination of DEVAL’s spraying action with that of the citizens, through companies. But, again, there should also be an agreement between neighbors, since if they spray at the same time, several together, then the effect will be even more substantial.”
An average price of disinfestation at this time in a residence is around 30 euros.

According to the vice-president of DEVAL, deputy mayor of Larissa Mr. Konstantinos Argyropoulos, in the last 15 days the municipal company received about 120 phone calls. Through a company that undertook the project by tender, the spraying is carried out inside the grates.
He emphasizes that:

“Larissa has 8,500 grills. They cannot all be done at the same time. But when a citizen calls, he gives us the details of the area and the crew goes to do the spraying.”

Mr. Argyropoulos, however, also points out that in order to have the best result, the spraying of the grill should be done almost at the same time, as well as the disinsection at the citizens’ homes or shops