Are There Cockroaches in the UK? Truth & Types
Cockroaches are a very common type of pest in the UK, especially in food and drink premises, but they can infest any type of building as long as it is warm!
There are 3,000+ types of cockroaches in the entire world. They are typically between 17mm to 30mm in size with flattened shiny dark brown and black bodies. This makes them difficult to spot at times. On adult cockroaches, you will be able to spot wings. However, they do not fly but they can jump long distances.
In this guide, we will talk about the most common types that you find in the UK, as well as other key information about this pest.
What is the lifestyle of a cockroach?
Cockroaches live in groups called colonies. So if you spot just one, there will be more nearby. Cockroaches reproduce very quickly, so it is important to deal with the issue as soon as you notice it before you have a massive colony to deal with.
Also, cockroaches shed their skin 5 to 8 times whilst they are growing. So, if you have an infestation, you might notice shreddings around your building.
Cockroaches will enter buildings through small cracks, due to their small size. They can enter through walls, doors or windows. They can often be found in warm areas of the building like laundry rooms or boiler rooms. You may also find them where food has been like in cupboards in kitchens or waste areas. Other common places include bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas. You must keep unlikely places clean to avoid infestations.
Interestingly, cockroaches can last up to 100 days without any food. But, they can not last more than 3 days without water. This usually means that they will likely be found in damp or moist areas.
How do I know if I have a cockroach infestation?
There are a few things you can keep your eye out for, such as:
- Strange and unpleasant smell
- Smear marks that are light or dark brown
- Droppings that are around 2mm long
- Cockroach skin shreddings
- Damage to food packaging
- Cockroach eggs
What risks do cockroaches pose?
Cockroach infestations can be dangerous, especially if you are in a commercial setting. As they are attracted to food production areas, they will rip through packaging to get to the food. Often, you will not even notice. They will eat practically anything including hair, dead skin and rotten food. However, this can lead to contamination of food, which if you sell to customers can make them very ill. This pest carries Salmonella, which can lead to very serious cases of food poisoning. In severe cases, this has led to death. Additionally, cockroaches can spread other infections that can make people seriously ill. They are also known to trigger allergies.
All in all, cockroaches are a severe risk to public health, especially in food and drink establishments. However, even in a domestic setting, they can spread illness through your household. So, it is important to regularly clean all areas and to ensure that all food is sealed and is not left out. If you notice that you have any cracks in your walls, doors or windows then it is vital that you seal them up as soon as you notice. Not only can this let cockroaches in, but you may also be paving the way for other pests to enter your home.
What are the most common types of cockroaches in the UK?
There are three main types of cockroaches that you will find in the UK, and these are:
- Oriental cockroaches, this type of cockroach are usually found in damp, wet or moist environments. Typically in drains or around bins. These are larger in size than other types of cockroaches, and the females are larger than the males. The females can lay up to 200 eggs in their lifetime.
- German cockroaches, this type of pest tends to be found in warm areas of your home as they do not like the cold weather. They are typically found in domestic settings like in bathrooms or kitchens. This type of cockroach reproduces quicker than the other types of cockroaches.
- Brown-banded cockroaches or American cockroaches are the most common type of cockroaches in commercial settings, as they go to areas that have a large amount of food. This type of cockroach can grow up to 5cm.
How do I deal with a cockroach problem?
Cockroaches are a nuisance. But the issue can be dealt with easily. Get in touch with a professional pest control company, so that they can exterminate the colony and prevent them from returning. Products that claim to get rid of the infestation are usually ineffective, and the issue can multiply in the time you take to do the treatment yourself.
At Premier Pest Control, we use the latest and most effective products to deal with infestations. We also have a fantastic expert team that is waiting to help you out. We use detectors to find the source of the cockroaches. Once we have located the nest we will use residual insecticide and insecticidal gel in these areas. We will regularly check if the nest is gone, and ensure that it doesn’t come back!