The Whole Truth About Cockroaches in Phuket
If you’ve visited Phuket, you’ve likely encountered these insects on the island at least once. Giant cockroaches are a common fear among tourists. These insects certainly don’t look pleasant — but are they actually dangerous? Let’s find out.
The infamous giant cockroach
Thailand is home to several species of cockroaches, including the small reddish ones we’re all familiar with. But the most terrifying is the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). This large insect leaves quite an impression on anyone seeing it for the first time. Reddish-brown in color, it can grow up to 4–5 cm in length — and it has wings. Bad news: it can also fly!
Despite its name, this cockroach actually originates from Africa. It was called “American” because it was first documented in the Americas. It’s believed that the species was introduced there in the 17th century via ships involved in the Atlantic slave trade.
Where Cockroaches Live in Phuket
Cockroaches tend to appear wherever there’s food — around drains, garbage bins, and waste areas. Older condominiums, poorly ventilated apartments, and buildings located near markets, cafés, or canals are most at risk of infestation. Despite ongoing efforts to control them, cockroaches sometimes still make their way into homes and apartments. They’re highly adaptable and can learn your daily routine — coming out when you leave the house and hiding when you return. Smart little creatures, aren’t they?
Potential Danger
Cockroaches don’t attack humans — they have no reason to. In theory, though, they can bite a sleeping person, especially if the person is sweaty or has food residue on their skin. What happens then? At worst, a mild allergic reaction.
The real danger of American cockroaches lies elsewhere: they’re known carriers of pathogenic microorganisms — including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. So if one has been crawling across your table, cups, or utensils, your hygiene may have been compromised.
How to Deal With Them
If a regular house slipper is enough to defeat an ordinary cockroach, stomping on an American cockroach is a bad idea: the females may carry dozens of eggs inside them, and even if crushed, the larvae can survive. Plus, it’s not exactly easy — or pleasant — to squish such a large, winged insect. And yes, the sound is just as nasty as you’d imagine. Also, when frightened, American cockroaches can release a foul-smelling liquid.
A more effective method is a special insect spray, applied once a week or every two weeks. Of course, the surest way to remove an unwanted guest is to catch it and toss it outside. Not the most fun task, but it works.
Keeping your space clean is key in the fight against cockroaches. If they lose all access to food sources, they’ll migrate elsewhere in search of a better buffet.
In the end, cockroaches in Phuket may be big, but they’re mostly harmless. Some people even eat them — waste not, want not! Read more in our article Fried Insects in Thailand. Curious about which bugs are actually dangerous in Phuket? Check out our piece on Dangerous Insects in Phuket. And if you want to avoid any encounters altogether, just stick to the best cafes and restaurants.
