About cockroaches
Cockroaches are hardy, mainly nocturnal insects that run from light. Two species cause most problems in the UK. The large, dark Oriental cockroach prefers cool, damp places such as drains, cellars and ducts. The smaller, light brown German cockroach likes warmth and is most often found in commercial kitchens, behind cookers and fridges, and in heated buildings.
Cockroaches contaminate food and surfaces and can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning. In a food business they are a serious hygiene risk and must be dealt with straight away.
Signs of cockroaches
- Cockroaches running for cover when a light is switched on
- Small dark droppings, like ground pepper, behind appliances and in cupboards
- Brown egg cases in cracks and gaps
- A musty, unpleasant smell in heavy infestations
How we treat cockroaches
We use monitoring traps to find where they are living, then treat with professional gel baits and insecticides placed where cockroaches feed and hide. Follow-up visits are needed to clear eggs that hatch after the first treatment. Oriental cockroaches often come up from defective drains, which our drainage team can survey and repair. For food businesses, we can put this on a routine contract with written reports.
