- Cockroach sightings are now common across Crete.
- Heraklion and tourist towns report infestations.
- Rotting garbage and poor sanitation are fueling the surge.
- Visitors find bugs in hotels, rentals, even airports.
- Pest control is costly, and state response is minimal.
You know the brochure: beaches, ruins, olive groves. But the fine print now reads: bring Raid. Because this summer, Crete isn’t just swarming with tourists—it’s crawling with cockroaches.
And no, this isn’t a one-off incident. It’s a full-blown infestation.
From Heraklion to Hersonissos, cockroaches are coming up drains, nesting near dumpsters, and making surprise appearances in hotel bathrooms. One tourist described seeing one on the nightstand—next to the welcome chocolate.
What’s causing it? Simple. Trash. Lots of it.
Garbage bins sit open for days. Municipal services are patchy at best. The heat turns those dumpsters into bug buffets. And while tourists might check out early, residents don’t have that option.
Rot at the Core:
- Trash piles are ignored for days
- No unified pest strategy across regions
- Tourist season is overloading the system
- Temperatures climbing = roach paradise
These bugs aren’t just gross. They carry bacteria. Trigger allergies. Tank review scores. And once they’re in, good luck getting them out.
Private pest control? Pricey. Municipal response? Inconsistent. Most people are left fending for themselves—with duct tape, vinegar, and prayers.
And don’t expect help anytime soon. The local government has been silent, despite repeated complaints. Maybe they’re too busy swatting bugs in their own offices.
This isn’t just about bugs. It’s about dignity. About tourism credibility. About public health.
Crete is a beautiful place. But this summer, it’s also a warning: ignore basic sanitation long enough, and even paradise starts to rot.
