Cockroaches are quite large insects that can vary in size from anywhere between 10mm up to about 23mm with long antennae and two sets of wings.

Identifying Cockroaches

Identifying Cockroaches can be quite difficult. There are two main species of cockroach that can be found in the UK, the German Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.

• The German Cockroach (so named because it was originally native to Germany) prefers to live in very warm, moist environments such as Heating Systems in large buildings. It has the ability to swim and can fly with it's wings. It can also climb very smooth surfaces easily and tends to hide in inaccessible areas.
• The Oriental Cockroach can also be found indoors in warm, heated environments particularly hospitals, hotels, restaurants, prisons and blocks of flats. Sometimes this type of cockroach can be found outdoors around dustbins and Rubbish Tips where it can find plenty of food. It is a very dark brown, sometimes black in colour with a shiny, flat body. It also has very long antennae, but unlike the German cockroach, cannot swim or fly at all.

Cockroach Activity

Cockroaches are Nocturnal Creatures by nature, which means they only tend to be seen at night, although if disturbed during the day they can be seen from time-to-time.

During the day, cockroaches spend most of the time in cracks and recesses around sinks, drains and cookers, although anywhere that suits their type of comfortable environment would be suitable. If cockroaches are present in large groups they may emit a very strong, 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).

Nymphs are like adult cockroaches but smaller and lighter. The nymphs take some months to mature. Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faecal matter.

Risks of Cockroaches

Cockroaches are pests because they often spread germs from their bodies collecting during the time spent around litter and damp places. Cockroaches can carry dysentery, gastro-enteritis, typhoid and Food Poisoning Organisms.

Contamination occurs when the cockroaches come into contact with our foodstuffs. So, good hygiene in the home is the key to keeping cockroaches at bay.

Keeping your house clean and tidy, and particularly litter-free prevents cockroaches from accessing a possible food source, and they will not go where there is no food.

Cockroach Control

To get rid of cockroaches if you already have a Cockroach Infestation it is best not to buy over-the-counter products because they are not very effective at all.

It is best to seek help from Professional Cockroach Control Companies at the earliest signs of cockroach infestation. Because of the speed in which cockroaches can breed, a small infestation can quickly get out of control.