Cockroaches are quite large insects. They vary in size from 10mm-23mm in length with long antennae and two sets of wings. The two main species of cockroach found in the UK are the German cockroach and the Oriental cockroach.

The German cockroach prefers warm, moist environments, particularly heating systems in large buildings. It can swim, fly, climb smooth surfaces easily and hide in inaccessible places.

The Oriental cockroach is found mainly indoors in heated buildings like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, prisons and blocks of flats. It is sometimes found outdoors around dustbins and rubbish tips. It is dark brown to black in colour, very shiny, and has long flexible antennae and a flattened body. It cannot fly or climb smooth surfaces but can move very rapidly.

Biology 

Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature being visible often only at night. They spend the day hiding in cracks around areas like sinks, drains, cookers and the backs of service ducts. If at night you suddenly turn the lights on you may see them. Where they are present in large numbers they may give out an unpleasant almond-like smell. The female cockroach can produce up to eight purse-like egg cases each month each of which can contain up to 30 eggs. Cockroach nymphs emerge from their eggs after 2-4 weeks (up to 6-12 weeks for oriental cockroaches). The nymphs are similar in appearance to the adult but smaller. As the nymph develops and grows it moults. This usually occurs 5-10 times during its development which may take up to two years to complete until the insect reaches maturity. The life cycle is complete in a further four months for Oriental Cockroaches and nine months for the German Cockroach.

Why cockroaches are a pest ?

Cockroaches carry food poisoning germs on their bodies and are responsible for the spread of dysentery and gastroenteritis. They will feed on almost anything including faecal matter and food for human consumption. Contamination will occur when the insect comes into contact with food or work surfaces or through faecal contamination of foodstuffs.

How you can prevent an infestation ?

Food hygiene is the key to keeping cockroaches out of your business or home. It denies them a food source and makes them easier to spot. All cracks, crevices and other building problems that could provide a dark enclosure for cockroaches should be repaired as quickly as possible. Pipe work should not be boxed in as it provides an excellent hiding place for them.

Infestations of cockroaches can be very difficult to treat and it can take upto 12 months to obtain complete control.

Hiring a reputable pest control company like EnviroGuard to deal with a cockroach infestation in a responsible and professional manner will help to achieve and complete control.

All Pesticides used in the control/treatment of insect pests are selective and applied to ensure public safety.

For further details about cockroach infestations or to book a survey, please enquire online or give us a call.