Cockroach Pest Control

There are two common species of cockroach in the UK, the Oriental cockroach and the German cockroach. They do look very different with an adult German Cockroach growing to about 10 – 15mm long with a light yellow/brown colouration and the Oriental cockroach growing to 20 – 24mm long with a dark brown/black colouration. There are two other less common species which can make an appearance in the UK, they are the American cockroach and the Brown Banded Cockroach. The American Cockroach is not native to the UK and came over from the USA, it can reach sizes of over 4cm and is a red/brown colour. The Brown Banded Cockroach comes in at 10 – 15mm and has yellow/brown stripes across its abdomen.

Cockroaches are generally not able to survive outside in the UK but thrive in warm humid areas such as heating ducts and boiler rooms (especially in large buildings such as hospitals, hotels, restaurants, bakeries and blocks of flats). Domestically they can be found around pipes, stoves and sinks where they will typically be hidden during the daytime.

Cockroaches will feed on pretty much anything from refuse to faecal matter. Although they can survive for long periods without food, they do require a plentiful water supply.

Health Risks

Cockroaches are disease carriers and can pass on Salmonella, Dysentery and Gastro-enteritis. Exposure to Cockroach droppings can also cause Eczema and asthma. In addition, cockroaches give off a very unpleasant smell and an infestation will evidence a very noticeable odour. The presence of cockroaches either at home or in a business premises is a serious matter and needs to be dealt with swiftly. Cockroach activity in food businesses can result in closure as it poses an imminent risk to public health, so quick action is very important.

How to Spot a Cockroach Infestation

How do you know if you have an infestation of cockroaches? Unless an infestation is significant, often the insect itself is hard to spot, but there are a few tell-tale signs that will let you know you have a cockroach infestation:

• Do you have an unusual smell under your sinks in the kitchen or bathroom or other humid areas? The smell has been described as musty, sweet and like almond
• Can you see small droppings?
• Are there smear marks? If water is abundant then cockroaches will leave brown and irregular shaped smear marks on horizontal surfaces and wall/floor interfaces
• Are there any signs of shed skins? As they mature, a cockroach will shed its skin 5-8 times.

Preventing Cockroaches

• Keep areas clean and tidy, especially food preparation areas and don’t leave dirty dishes and utensils in sinks or on the side.
• Clean under your white goods regularly as these are ideal places for dirt and food to collect.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows and fix any leaks you might have to shut off the source of water.
• The main rule of thumb is to starve them of food, water and shelter, however, preventing cockroach activity in a block of flats or apartments can be very difficult once they are established within the fabric of the building.

Cockroach Pest Control

Cockroaches are difficult to eradicate without specialist knowledge and equipment. If you do have concerns regarding cockroaches, get in touch with iX5 Pest Control immediately. We will conduct a thorough survey and detail our recommended solutions, including advising on preventative measures. We use a range of control strategies depending on various factors such as the location, the extent of activity, and any sensitive receptors or non-target species.

We offer cockroach pest control services for domestic premises and businesses in Northampton, Daventry, Rugby, Market Harborough, Towcester, Brackley, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Olney and all of the surrounding areas. Our team of pest control specialists are available both evenings and weekends at no extra cost. Should you require assistance call us on 01604 328545, email [email protected] or use our simple contact form.