There’s nothing like the sudden dart of a cockroach to make your skin crawl! Whether you notice the little critter in your kitchen or behind the sofa, spotting even one cockroach might be a sign of a bigger problem.
Think you have a cockroach infestation? Don’t panic. There’s plenty you can do to get the issue under control. Start by cleaning up any food residue or spillages, and don’t leave mess lying around. Check for signs like cockroach droppings and set up sticky traps until the pest experts arrive.
In this blog, our pest control specialists dig deeper into the not-so-charming topic of cockroach infestations. We uncover the different types of cockroaches you might find around your house. We also look into the dangers of not acting fast and what you can do to get rid of them when you see them.
If you need help ridding your home of a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Project Multi Pest.
Are cockroaches common in the UK?
Contrary to popular belief, cockroaches are a fairly common pest in the UK despite our less-than-appealing climate. The most common cockroach species we face here are Oriental and German cockroaches.
Oriental cockroaches
This is what most people picture when they think of a cockroach. The Oriental cockroach is typically around 25mm in length and has a shiny reddish-black shell. They are often found to be a common problem in restaurants.
German cockroaches
The German cockroach is usually much smaller and, consequently, more difficult to control. They reproduce at an alarming rate (a female cockroach can carry over 30 eggs at a time), so it’s extremely important to spring into action if you spot one or more in your home.
You can identify a German cockroach by their size (around 15mm), oval shape and light brown or tan colour exterior.
Are cockroaches harmful to humans?
While they aren’t much of a biter, cockroaches are still considered to be harmful to humans due to their grimy lifestyle. They can carry a number of nasty germs that can easily be spread when they contaminate food and preparation surfaces, resulting in food poisoning and other illnesses.
Some people are also allergic to cockroaches (their shedding, eggs and saliva), making them even more of a nuisance when they enter your home.
Steps to take if you see a cockroach
If you come across one of these pesky critters in your home or business, it’s important to act fast. The sooner you prevent them from spreading around your property, the quicker you can go back to a peaceful, roach-free life.
Cockroaches thrive in warm areas and do well when they have plenty of food and water sources nearby, which is why they are common pests in restaurants and kitchens.
Take a look at how you can prevent them from wreaking havoc on your home.
Capture or kill the cockroach
We know it isn’t always pleasant, but the first step is to stay calm and capture the cockroach. You can use the classic ‘cup and paper’ method by simply placing the cup over the cockroach and sliding some paper underneath to contain it.
Dispose of the cockroach
You can easily dispose of a dead cockroach by securing it in a bag and putting it in an outside bin. If you’d rather not kill it, we suggest releasing it far away from your home.
This is fine for the odd cockroach, but these challenging critters spread much faster than you realise and hide in the most obscure places, so removing them one by one might not be feasible. Professional pest control is often the best way forward.
Inspect your home
Are you worried you might have an infestation? Cockroaches like warm, dark areas that offer shelter and food. They are often found scavenging in dirty areas (hence their health risk!). Start by checking the most obvious places, like behind your oven and fridge and near pipes and drains.
It’s also important to note that cockroach nymphs shed their skins as they grow, so there could be more than one sign of an infestation. If you notice sheddings, egg cases, faeces or dead cockroaches lying around, then the infestation may be closer than you think.
Identify entry points
Cockroaches are agile creatures and will enter your property in various ways, including drain pipes, vents, windows and doors, and even cracks and crevices in the walls.
Search for all the possible areas the roaches could get in and make sure they are thoroughly secured. Cover vents, check window seals and fill any holes or cracks you find in the walls and pipes.
Clean your home
A tidy home is no place for cockroaches. Keeping your house clean is the best way to prevent them from returning. Don’t leave dirty dishes, food scraps, overflowing bins, or anything else that might attract the grime-loving pests.
If you do suspect a cockroach infestation, you should be even more vigilant when tidying, as they can carry harmful diseases. By ensuring food is securely packaged and wiping down all surfaces before preparing anything, you can prevent potential illnesses from cockroach contamination.
Suspicious of a cockroach infestation? Call PMP today
We know just how tricky a cockroach infestation can be. Killing, removing, and cleaning can be a quick fix for the odd roach, but they typically live in groups.
Hiring the help of an experienced pest control team like us is the best way to rid your home or business of a troublesome cockroach problem.
Contact PMP today and wave goodbye to your unwanted guests.
