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.