Giant moths becoming an issue in Spain « Euro Weekly News

Giant moths are becoming more apparent across Spain. They’re sneaking into homes, clinging to clothes, and causing widespread nuisance.

Spain’s giant moths

The surge in moths – many measuring up to five centimetres – has been triggered by an unusual mix of heat and recent rainfall, creating perfect conditions for a population explosion.

“They’re not a pest; they don’t harm people,” said Juan Carlos Santiago, president of Spain’s National Association of Biocidal Services Companies (ANESBI), in an interview with Antena 3. “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 moths are nocturnal and are especially visible at night when they are drawn to lights. Many originate in Africa, migrating north as temperatures rise, and feed on nectar and sweet plant juices.

Giant moths are a nuisance, not a threat

While these moths don’t bite or spread disease, many residents are fed up with them entering their homes, kitchens, and wardrobes.

“You can’t even hang clothes; they stick to the garments,” said one resident in Valencia, quoted by Antena 3. “You have to shake everything out because they get into every room.”

Another added, “They’re big, you don’t even know how to get rid of them, they’re a nuisance.”

Some prefer a humane approach: “I catch them and release them – I don’t like killing them.”

How to keep giant moths out of your home

Experts recommend the following tips to keep your home moth-free:

Secure all doors and windows, especially in the evening
Install mosquito nets where possible
Avoid using insecticide, which is largely ineffective and unnecessary
Place camphor balls in drawers to deter them from clothing
Get some lavender plants
Check your pantry – if you suspect contamination, seek advice from a pest control professional

“These are not harmful insects,” Santiago said. However, he did advise that for “food issues, it’s best to consult a professional.”

Although not officially labelled as a pest outbreak, this increase in giant moths is yet another sign of how climate change is affecting insect behaviour. Warmer weather is known to accelerate reproduction in many insect species, and these moths – traditionally found in Africa – are migrating further north each year.

With Spain experiencing increasingly warmer springs and sudden rainstorms, could more of these giant moths become a regular feature of Spanish living?