Signs of the Middle Eastern Turkestan Cockroach Establishing Itself Found at Busan's Gamman Port

[Financial News] Evidence has emerged that the Turkestan cockroach, a non-native species originating in the Middle East and Central Asia, has established itself around Gamman Port in Busan.
According to academic sources on the 10th, researchers from Pusan National University's Life Systems Research Institute and Gyeongsang National University's Department of Plant Medicine surveyed Gamman Port five times from November last year through June this year, collecting adult Turkestan cockroaches, nymphs and egg cases. With all life stages of the species confirmed, the analysis is that it is highly likely to have established itself in South Korea's outdoor environment.
Also known as the 'red runner,' the Turkestan cockroach is dark reddish-brown and about 3 cm long. Busan has relatively high winter temperatures, and temperature fluctuations around Gamman Port are also small, creating favorable conditions for non-native species to overwinter.
The species reaches adulthood in about 220 days and is highly prolific: a single female can produce around 350 nymphs. It is also reportedly often introduced as feed for reptiles and arthropods.
The researchers suggested that port shipping or distribution processes may be the route by which the species was introduced. Since individuals have already been found in parks outside the port, they said surveys to determine the extent of its spread and ongoing monitoring are needed.
The Turkestan cockroach is classified as an urban pest and can disrupt ecosystems by competing with native cockroaches for food and habitat. The researchers recommended integrated pest management measures, including removing food sources and using bait-based control, rather than indiscriminate outdoor insecticide use.
[email protected] Jeonghwa Lee Reporter