Warmer climate may bring cockroaches to Japan's traditionally pest-free Hokkaido

Experts attribute a potential surge in cockroach numbers on Hokkaido to higher winter temperatures and the spread of well-insulated housing that keeps interiors warm. Although the island has historically hosted only a few cold-tolerant species, the influx of goods from Honshu and other southern areas may be introducing additional eggs. Hiroshi Nishino of Hokkaido University notes that the insects have remained scarce and largely unnoticed because they are nocturnal.

Shizuma Yanagisawa, deputy director of Ryuyo Insect Nature Observation Park, highlights that modern heating aids species sensitive to cold. Sales data from Earth Corp. show a steady rise in anti-cockroach products, while Akihiro Kitaguchi of the company's marketing team recommends keeping food sealed and avoiding cluttered cardboard storage to discourage pests.