A cockroach infestation took locals and tourists by surprise in Los Abrigos, in the south of Tenerife, on Thursday. The sudden appearance of the insects was linked to a routine fumigation of the town’s sewer system, carried out by a company contracted by the local council.
The operation, though regular and often requested by local businesses, sparked chaos as it was conducted during the busiest hours of the day.
The fumigation began at 11:00am, the busiest time for cafés and restaurants in the pedestrian area near the harbour. Customers enjoying their morning coffee and meals were soon greeted by swarms of cockroaches emerging from the sewers.
Staff grabbed brooms and dustpans to combat the influx and prevent the insects from entering their premises.
Rodrigo, the manager of the popular restaurant El Mirador, criticised the timing of the operation. "Instead of doing it at night or early in the morning, they decided to fumigate at 11:00am, right when businesses were open," he said.
Fortunately for El Mirador, the infestation did not affect them directly, as their doors were still closed at the time. "The sewer grate where they came out is in full sun, and the shade from the nearby tree pushed them towards the café next door," Rodrigo explained.
Scenes of Chaos
Video footage captured by a local resident showed restaurant workers armed with brooms battling the cockroaches on the streets to prevent them from invading their businesses. One café employee described the ordeal as an "army of cockroaches" emerging and scattering in all directions.
Though some of the cockroaches were seen crawling dangerously close to business entrances, no major disruptions occurred thanks to the quick action of the staff. "Luckily, none of them entered our premises," Rodrigo said, relieved.
The incident has sparked frustration among business owners and residents. "The Local Police passed by and didn’t intervene," noted one local in the video, expressing disappointment at the lack of immediate support.
Businesses in Los Abrigos are now calling for fumigations to be scheduled outside of operating hours to avoid further incidents. Meanwhile, local authorities have yet to comment on the timing of the operation or address concerns raised by affected residents and businesses.