Nicknamed the Red Runner, cockroach can produce hundreds of young in one brood, and has already been found in nearby residential areas
A fast-breeding cockroach species native to the Middle East and Central Asia has found its place in Busan, raising concerns over its potential spread across Korea.
Researchers from Pusan National University and Gyeongsang National University confirmed the presence of the Turkestan cockroach (Periplaneta lateralis), commonly known as the "Red Runner," near Gamman Port in Busan, according to reports Saturday.
During five field surveys conducted between November 2025 and June 2026, researchers collected adults, nymphs and egg cases, providing evidence that the species is reproducing and has become established in the area.
The reddish-brown cockroach grows to about 3 centimeters in length and is known for its rapid reproduction. A female can produce approximately 350 offspring, while nymphs can reach adulthood in around 220 days.
Busan's relatively mild winter temperatures, averaging 3.6-5.8 degrees Celsius, provide benign conditions for the invasive species. Researchers said the port area could serve as a refuge from extreme cold.
The species has already been detected outside the port, raising concerns that its distribution may extend beyond the surveyed area.
Researchers warned that the cockroach could compete with native species and disrupt local ecosystems.
They called for integrated pest management, including continued monitoring, removal of food sources and targeted bait treatments, rather than excessive insecticide use that could harm surrounding ecosystems.
shwang9@heraldcorp.com
