City takes action against bugs amid alarmist news headlines in recent days.
Rome has launched a major disinfection plan to combat flying cockroaches however the city denies there is an “invasion” of the large winged insects in the Italian capital.
The move follows increasing reports of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) – the largest species of common cockroach – emerging from sewers in neighbourhoods around Rome.
The bugs have been seen on streets and terraces as well as in cellars and garages in suburbs including Boccea, Aurelio, Monte Mario, San Paolo, Torpignattara and Ostia, with the recent heatwave believed to be a factor in the surge.
The sightings have triggered alarmist headlines in Italian newspapers which have referred to the “invasion” of the “giant” flying cockroaches whose presence poses an “urban nightmare” to Rome residents.
On Wednesday the city’s environment councillor Sabrina Alfonsi announced that a disinfection plan was under way in various neighbourhoods in the capital affected by the phenomenon.
Alfonsi stressed that there is “no invasion” of the American cockroach “which actually comes from Africa and is widespread in almost the entire world”.
“It is absolutely nothing new in Rome” – Alfonsi said – “This insect has been present in our territory for at least 20 years, together with other invasive species” of cockroach.
The councillor added that the increased presence of these insects is due largely to “the rise in average annual temperatures”, given that “a prolonged season with temperatures more favourable to its biological cycle boosts its possibility of reproducing”.
Alfonsi also said that the city had identified 8,500 disinfection points and reiterated that “there are no risks to people’s health directly linked to the presence of these insects”.
