Large spread of small insects across Moroccan cities, expert says it’s temporary, linked to sudden weather shift
A large number of small black insects have spread across several Moroccan cities over the past two days, with videos circulating online showing them inside homes and residential areas.
The unusual presence around lights, kitchens, and food storage areas has raised concern among Moroccans, especially as temperatures rise in several cities, leaving many questioning the cause of the outbreak.
Environmental expert Mostafa Benramel, president of the Eco-Lighthouse Association for Development and Climate, told Hespress English that the phenomenon is “natural, temporary, and seasonal,” and linked to sharp and rapid weather changes.
He said the recent shift from heavy rain and cold conditions to an intense heatwave reaching 37–42°C has created favorable conditions for insect reproduction.
Benramel explained that the combination of heat and humidity accelerates the life cycle of insects such as mosquitoes, winged ants, small flying beetles, and other moisture-related species.
He also noted that recent rainfall leaves puddles and wet areas where insects lay eggs, which then hatch more quickly as temperatures rise.
The expert described the situation as a “temporary biological surge,” where insects become active in large numbers at the same time, particularly in the evening and at night.
This, he said, explains their concentration around streetlights and inside residential areas.
Most of these insects are not dangerous to human health, the expert emphasized, though they can be very disturbing for many residents.
He added that the situation can last from a few days up to around two weeks, depending on the species and weather conditions, and may, in some cases, lead to minor health issues in areas with waste or stagnant water.
The expert warned that these cases could become more frequent due to climate change and increasingly unstable weather patterns, especially with repeated heatwaves and irregular rainfall.
He stressed the importance of improving urban sanitation, removing stagnant water, and strengthening waste management to reduce breeding sites.
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