SAPPORO - Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido, long known for its reputation as being largely cockroach free, may begin to see more of the insects as factors including warmer temperatures spurred by climate change create ideal environments for cockroaches to thrive.

Experts are already urging people to brace for an influx in cities including Sapporo amid increases in the number of well-insulated homes and shipments from warmer areas in Japan, which are thought to contribute to the trend.

Related coverage: