Mataró's Public Health and Environmental Control Service began preventive cockroach treatments in the municipal sewage network this May. The initiative, carried out by a contracted company, aims to reduce the insect population in approximately 2,100 manholes across the city.

Mataró City Council stated that "plagues are not extinguished, but their population is controlled so they do not cause inconvenience to citizens." While sensitive areas will be prioritised, treatments will occur in manholes throughout Mataró.

Officials warned that these treatments might cause a temporary 'displacement effect', where cockroaches emerge outdoors, affected by biocides, just before completing their life cycle. The council also monitors and maintains municipal buildings, responding quickly to reports received via the citizen mailbox or detected incidents.

Cockroach control is part of a year-round effort. The council also monitors and controls rodent populations in the sewage network and conducts campaigns against tiger mosquitoes. These checks cover about 15,500 drains, with treatments applied where technically appropriate. Incident reports can be made through the 'Bústia Ciutadana' (Citizen Mailbox) or by calling 010.

Citizen Involvement is Key

While the City Council manages this full pest control programme, it lacks the authority to act inside private homes or properties. Therefore, the council urges residents to inspect and treat their private premises. "Neighbour involvement is essential," the local government stressed, "as cockroaches can also be found in the private area of the network."

Recommendations for residents include checking internal siphons and community inspection chambers, as these are common hiding and breeding spots for cockroaches. An annual cleaning of internal community registers, similar to roof cleaning, is also advised. The council also recommends keeping homes clean and floors disinfected, closing rubbish bins, especially those for organic waste, storing food in airtight containers, and emptying or removing any containers with standing water.