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If you’ve noticed more fluttery guests showing up around your home lately, you’re not alone. Summer might bring sunshine and longer days, but it also marks the return of all kinds of creepy crawlies. This year, it’s giant moths that seem to be taking over.

 

These big night-time visitors, measuring between three and five centimetres, have been spotted all over Spanish cities. They seem to be everywhere once the sun goes down. According to the experts, these moths aren’t attracted to light as was once thought; rather, the recent high temperatures are responsible for their sudden appearance.

 

Juan Carlos Santiago, president of the National Association of Biocidal Services Companies (ANESBI), explains it this way: "We have to distinguish between what is a pest and what is not. A cockroach in a mechanic's workshop isn't a pest, but in a bar, it is. Moths are not a pest; they don't cause harm to people.

 

What we're seeing is a punctual explosion due to the weather: a lot of heat and rain. This causes them to emerge all at once, instead of gradually, as would be normal."

 

The Valencian Community has seen an explosion of moth populations over the last couple of weeks.

 

"You can't even hang clothes; they stick to the garments. You have to shake everything out because they get into every room," one Alicante resident pointed out.

 

While they’re harmless, they’re certainly a nuisance and the best course of action is prevention: shut windows and doors as soon as the sun starts to go down. Mosquito nets can also stop them from getting in the house.

 

It's also advisable to check the pantry and cupboards where food is stored. According to Santiago: "It doesn't make sense to use insecticide. We can use an electric mosquito swatter and then release them out the window. For clothing, you can use camphor balls in drawers, but when it comes to food, it's best to consult a professional."

 

Many of these moths originate in Africa, where they breed and migrate north due to rising temperatures. They feed on nectar, like butterflies, and also on the sweet juice of some plants. They are nocturnal insects that don't bite or transmit diseases. But as harmless as they are, they can definitely be a bit much when they start showing up in every corner of the house.

 

So while there’s no need to panic, it might be a good idea to keep a fly swatter handy and make sure your screens are secure. The moths are making the most of the heat, even if we aren’t thrilled to see them fluttering around our lamps at night.

 

 

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