Cockroach Control

Types Of Cockroaches UK

In the UK, there are two main types of cockroaches: German and Oriental. While there are many species in the world, these two are the ones might likely to be found in the homes and businesses throughout Maidstone and Kent.

Both are highly resilient and can carry dangerous diseases that can spread to humans, including Salmonella, Listeriosis, food poisoning and others. They both breed rapidly, so you might go from seeing a single cockroach to a heavy infestation incredibly quickly.

Knowing which type of cockroach you have in your home can help us to get effective control of the situation faster.

German Cockroach

The German Cockroach is the most common type of cockroach found in the UK. They are easily transported from place to place undetected as these cockroaches fly. These versatile bugs are also fantastic climbers, and their size makes them very successful at spreading through a block of flats or houses quickly if left untreated.

German cockroaches range in size depending on their age, but a full-grown adult is around 10 to 15mm. They are a tan colour and can be distinguished by 2 brown stripes down their backs. This type of cockroach has six legs and a pair of large antennae that are very active when in motion. German Cockroaches prefer warm and humid environments close to food and water. As such, they frequently invade residential properties by hitchhiking in shopping bags, boxes or even inside second-hand electrical goods.

Homeowners are most likely to find this type of roach crawling around the bathroom, kitchen and around the boiler. They eat pretty much anything and everything, but in doing so, they can also spread disease by picking up germs on their travels and then spreading them on food and surfaces. As well as carrying diseases on their bodies, their saliva, droppings and decomposing bodies contain proteins that trigger allergies and intensify asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Therefore, homeowners who notice signs of a German Cockroach infestation, such as a musty smell, the sound of scurrying, or cockroach droppings, should immediately seek professional support.

Did You Know? A pair of German Cockroaches can produce 10,000 young in just one year.

Oriental Cockroach

The other common cockroach found in the UK is the Oriental Cockroach. These cockroaches like the damp, making them drain-dwellers. Hardier than their German counterparts, these roaches can live outdoors in sheds, outbuildings or other secluded areas outside. They’re not as successful at climbing as other cockroaches and cannot fly. Therefore, you often find them at a low level, which might make them seem less threatening. However, they can still contaminate human foods and make damp areas inaccessible, so they still need to be dealt with promptly.

Oriental Cockroaches are not as common as the German Cockroach in the UK. They are dark red to black in colour, and the males have fully developed wings, although they don’t fly. That doesn’t mean that they can’t get around, with Oriental Cockroaches able to climb a range of surfaces, even slippery ones. Despite being less common, their shiny black outer shells are often what most of us imagine when we think of cockroaches.

As they’re rarer in the UK and most residential properties have closed drain systems, the team at Pest-Tech don’t get so many calls for Oriental Cockroaches within the home, although they can occur. Industrial buildings are more likely to have issues with this pest due to their large dark spaces and crevices behind equipment, which are perfect for these cockroaches. As such, we often work with commercial clients to get rid of these pests and keep commercial properties safe and hygienic.

Did You Know? Oriental Cockroaches can survive for up to a month without food. However, they cannot live more than two weeks without water.

What To Do If You Think You’ve Got A Cockroach Problem

Any type of cockroach can be stressful if encountered in your home or commercial property. The first step is to identify that you have a cockroach infestation by talking to a pest control expert. Look out for shed skins, cockroach sightings in moist locations, and a musty smell. Pest-Tech can visit your site and work out what species is prevalent.

If you have an issue with either German Cockroaches or Oriental Cockroaches, we recommend you use a professional pest control company to get the infestation under control as soon as possible, as they multiply very quickly.

Pest-Tech carries out a full range of treatments to deal with these infestations, using a baiting program combined with a residual spray treatment to help you with cockroach control.

After the initial treatment, we will check our bait stations and review the situation, then take note of any further noticed roach activity that could be a sign of more roaches.

Killing cockroaches is only the first step: once we’ve got rid of the roaches, we will work with you to secure your property against further infestation, paying particular attention to areas these insects prefer, such as crevises and moist areas. Our team can also suggest changes, such as renovating places where you store food or damp areas, to reduce the chance of cockroaches returning.

Contact us for more information on how we can help you with cockroaches and other pests or if you would like us to carry out a treatment.

Cockroach Control FAQs

How Do Cockroaches Reproduce So Fast?

Roaches reproduce incredibly quickly because they are oviparous, meaning their babies grow in egg sacks outside of the mother’s body. German Cockroaches produce around 40 eggs per capsule, while the Oriental variety has around 16 eggs per capsule. Infestations are often worse in summer, as the warmth and humidity produce the perfect conditions for cockroach nests.

What Do Cockroaches Eat?

Both types of cockroaches eat almost anything, as they’re omnivorous and ingest plants or meat. They enjoy almost anything that’s derived from something living but won’t eat man-made rubbish like plastic.

Do Cockroaches Bite Humans?

Cockroaches have been known to bite humans, but not often. You’re more likely to suffer a cockroach bite if you’re dealing with major cockroach infestations across multiple properties.

What Has Attracted Cockroaches To My Property?

Roaches are attracted to dark, damp, but also warm spaces with a good supply of food and water. As such, they’re commonly found in boiler rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and industrial properties. The Oriental variety can also live outdoors.

Is It Possible To Get Rid Of Cockroaches Myself?

There are several cockroach treatment products available online and in DIY stores, but these are often ineffective, especially against large infestations. Products such as glue traps don’t kill roaches effectively and can cause significant health risks if left unattended with dead bugs on them. As such, for fast and effective control of any cockroach species, you’re better off working with Royal Society Of Public Health (RSPH) certified professionals like us.

How Much Does Professional Cockroach Pest Control Cost?

Pest control professionals like ourselves charge for our time and expertise, so the size of the infestation and property we’re dealing with will affect the time it takes us to control cockroaches at your home or workplace, and how much we charge. Our experts can provide you with a bespoke price and a range of treatment options so that you can find the most cost-effective approach.

How Can I Get Rid Of Cockroaches Permanently?

The most effective way to remove cockroaches for good is to find, then remove their food source and means of entry. A professional pest controller from Pest-Tech will help you eradicate roaches from your property using powerful, non-toxic insecticides, fill ingress points and create a less welcoming space for roaches. Call 01622 296055 or email admin@pest-tech.org to find out more.