In Torrelavega, northern Spain, residents have been living for months surrounded by thousands of insects known as Asian stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys), an invasive species that has already prompted alerts in several regions of the country. Despite being harmless to human health, this insect pest is causing serious inconvenience and concern among the population, according to the newspaper El Diario Cantabria.
The Covadonga neighborhood, in Torrelavega, Cantabria, has become the epicenter of a plague that is leaving hundreds of families in despair. Since 2024, residents have faced a constant invasion of these insects.
The infestation began in a localized manner, but has now spread to several streets, reaching nearby areas such as Ganzo and Barreda. Insects settle on walls, windows and ceilings of homes, especially during the warmer months, and release a strong odor when they feel threatened.
Complaints without effective response
Since April 2025, the Besaya Residents’ Association has presented successive complaints to the Torrelavega City Council and to the councilor for the Environment, Patricia Portilla. Despite promises of fumigation, residents say the response has been slow and insufficient.
According to the same source, the desperation is such that some neighbors report killing between 50 and 60 insects a day without this bringing any relief. Many say that they can no longer open the windows, as the insects immediately enter the rooms, sticking to the curtains and furniture.
The smell
One of the residents described the situation on social media as “disgusting” and denounced the authorities’ inaction. He said that it is no longer possible to ventilate the house without dozens of insects appearing and that the odor they leave is “unbearable”, especially during hot weather.
Although they do not bite or transmit diseases, the constant presence of these insects has seriously affected the quality of life of the inhabitants. The smell they release, combined with noise and visual discomfort, is transforming everyday life into “torment”.
Risk of spreading to other areas
Residents fear that this insect plague will continue to spread to other neighborhoods in Torrelavega. THE Halyomorpha halys It is an invasive species originating from Asia and already present in several European countries, including Portugal, where it has been detected mainly in agricultural areas. The insect feeds on fruits and plants, and can cause damage to orchards and vineyards, as mentioned by the same source. Although it does not pose a direct danger to people, its ability to reproduce and resist makes control particularly difficult.
Lack of concrete solutions
The municipality of Torrelavega promised to reinforce fumigation actions, but residents continue to see no visible results. Some even resorted to homemade mixtures with water and ammonia, in an attempt to ward off this insect pest.
However, without a coordinated strategy, the problem tends to worsen. According to , eradication must involve combining urban cleaning measures, biological control and public awareness.
A concern that crosses borders
In recent months, several regions in Spain have experienced the same problem. Local authorities have launched awareness campaigns so that the population can identify and eliminate the insect, preventing its expansion.
In Portugal, the Halyomorpha halys It has also been observed in some northern districts, although it has not yet reached the scale recorded in Spain. Portuguese environmental authorities are closely monitoring the evolution of the pest, which can pose a risk to agricultural crops.
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