SEARCH FOR A PEST

There are two main species of cockroach in Britain, Oriental and German Cockroaches.

Cockroaches are not usually observed out of doors in the British climate, although the Oriental can survive better than favouring warm and/or humid areas including hospitals, hotels, restaurant kitchens, blocks of flats, bakeries, laundries particularly in areas such as heating ducts and boiler rooms. They are by nature nocturnal and in infested areas will often be seen scurrying away when lights are turned on.

Cockroaches will eat almost anything including human faecal matter, hence their reputation of disgust and revulsion. There is no tolerance in British society for the presence of cockroaches and sightings will often be reported to Environmental Health officers with resultant potential fines or closures not to mention bad publicity and loss of business.

How to prevent and get rid of Cockroaches

Keeping premises scrupulously clean and tidy, repair defective water and heating systems.

Cockroach infestations will invariably require the services of a professional pest control company to resolve the problem. After a thorough survey the application of combinations of residual insecticides and baits will normally be followed up by a monitoring regime.

What to look for

• Very long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky walk.
• German Cockroach is a light yellowy/brown and is 10 to 15mm long.
• Oriental Cockroach is dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long.
• Unpleasant odour that taints items they contact.
• If little water is available cockroaches will produce brown/black cylindrical droppings, approx. 2mm long.
• If water is available cockroaches will produce brown smear marks. Check for marks on horizontal surfaces where cockroaches scuttle along.