Cockroaches are possibly one of the most terrifying insect pests you can find, and with good reason. Cockroaches are considered one of the few creatures on earth that could survive a nuclear explosion because they are incredibly resilient.
Being so hardy, cockroaches can be incredibly difficult to remove. They’re also terrifying for homeowners and business leaders alike. Here is Pest-Tech’s guide on how to get rid of cockroaches.
Types Of Cockroaches Found In The UK
There are over 4500 cockroach species in the world, but many thrive in warm climates. As such, there are only 4 types of cockroaches found in the UK.
The most common is the German cockroach, which is around 10mm-15mm in size when fully grown and has a dark brown body, long back legs and thin antenna. German cockroaches thrive in warm, humid environments close to food sources, so they usually live inside buildings.
Oriental cockroaches are the second most common species found in the UK, and they are often what people imagine when they think of a cockroach. They have dark brown to black oval-shaped bodies with long antennae and pronounced back legs. Oriental cockroaches are hardier than German cockroaches and are known to live outside or in outbuildings, as well as indoors.
Less common in the UK are American cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches, but they can sometimes be found. None of the cockroach species found in the UK can fly, although several of them have wings.
Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation
The most common sign of any pest infestation is sightings. As cockroaches are larger than most other insect pests, you will probably see them crawling throughout your home, and this is a clear indication of a cockroach problem. Other signs of cockroach activity include:
- Cockroach Droppings: Cockroach faeces are 1mm cylindrical logs with tapered ends, usually dark brown to black in colour and found in small clusters around cupboards and areas used to store food.
- Egg Cases: Roaches lay their eggs inside cases made from protein. These cases are known as oothecae and they look like small, dark, old-fashioned purses with a pale closure along one side.
- Greasy Smears: While cockroaches do leave solid droppings, they also produce liquid waste, which is often left on skirting boards, door frames and ledges throughout your home. These greasy smears are a clear indicator of a cockroach infestation.
- A Bad Smell: Large infestations will cause a powerful, musty smell in your property that won’t go away until the roaches are removed.
Dangers Of Cockroaches
Cockroaches are considered a health hazard because they can transmit a range of diseases, including dysentery, gastroenteritis, typhoid, and salmonella, among others.
As such, if they contaminate food or preparation areas, they can cause food poisoning and other health problems.
Unlike other pests, cockroaches bite humans very infrequently, but they have been known to nibble on extremities such as fingers and toes. A cockroach bite isn’t particularly painful, but it can be irritating.
For businesses, a cockroach infestation is particularly dangerous as it could be considered a public health risk, and your local authority might shut down your premises until the infestation is removed.
If customers notice signs of a cockroach infestation, then this could cause major issues to your reputation, so it’s important that you repel cockroaches where possible and kill roaches as soon as you notice signs of cockroach activity.
Reasons You Might Have A Roach Infestation
Like all pests, cockroaches are natural opportunists, so if they spot the chance to enter a property and get a guaranteed food source, they will take it. Still, some common reasons why you might have a cockroach problem include:
- Ease Of Entry: Cockroaches can squeeze through small cracks or gaps in your property’s facade. If there are obvious cracks and holes in your property, then they will make the most of them to get inside.
- Accessible Food Sources: If cockroaches can find something to eat, then they will keep coming back. Cockroaches aren’t picky and will eat food waste or pet food. Items such as dirty dishes or unsecured bins are practically a buffet for cockroaches and could be the reason they are now living in your space.
- Damp Areas: Properties that have excessive moisture in the walls or mould are a haven for roaches, as they thrive in humid, moist environments.
How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches Permanently
Many people believe that they can remove cockroaches by simply keeping their property clean. Unfortunately, cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of once they’ve made your house their home, and even thorough cleaning won’t remove an established cockroach infestation.
Reducing their access to food can help discourage cockroaches, but the most effective method of controlling cockroaches is to work with a professional pest control company.
At Pest-Tech, we have extensive experience providing cockroach control services to homes and businesses across Maidstone and Kent.
Our team can eradicate cockroaches and remove all evidence of the infestation, including cockroach droppings, egg cases and other detritus. We can then advise you on how to prevent cockroaches from returning and limit the chances of a future cockroach problem.
If you’re ready to get rid of cockroaches for good, then contact us on 01622 296055 to book your cockroach control visit.