Cockroach Pest Control
The cockroach is a common pest for food premises. However, cockroaches can infest any type of warm building. There are over 3,000 species of cockroach in the world. The Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) is one of the most common types in the UK. Cockroaches are fairly large insects, with an average length of 17mm – 30mm. They are dark brown to black in colour, making them difficult to spot in dark crevices. Their bodies are flattened and shiny, with long flexible antennae. Adult cockroaches have wings, but most usually do not fly. They jump and glide short distances.
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Cockroach Habitats
Cockroaches live in colonies. If you only see a single cockroach, there will definitely be more of them in the area. These insects are nocturnal and reproduce quickly, so you could have a huge colony on your hands before you first notice their presence. There are plenty of signs indicating a cockroach infestation on your premises, though. These include an unusual and unpleasant smell, brown smear marks or small cylindrical droppings, and pieces of their skins (they shed 5-8 times while growing).
Cockroaches can enter buildings through cracks in walls and doors. They are usually found sheltering in drains, ductings, waste and dustbin areas, boiler housing, and lift shafts. Check the plumbing and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. Laundry rooms and cellars are also at risk. Any dark, sheltered, or damp nooks and crannies where there is water or moisture make perfect homes for cockroach colonies. This is why you should maintain good hygiene in these areas and clean them frequently.
Cockroach Health & Safety Risks
One of the most common problems with a cockroach infestation is that they contaminate food. They eat almost anything, and deposit faeces, hair, dead skin, and empty egg shells when they crawl over things. Cockroaches are carriers of Salmonella bacteria, meaning that their presence can lead to an outbreak of food poisoning. Other bacteria which they spread through saliva can cause diseases like urinary tract infections. Debris left behind by cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.
These are severe risks to public health in establishments like restaurants and health services as well as in your own home. You should practise good hygiene in your house to prevent an infestation of cockroaches. This includes storing food in sealed containers and never leaving it out, throwing away waste, and cleaning up spillages. Do not leave pet food bowls or litter trays out overnight. Remove any clutter and seal up cracks in walls, skirting boards, shelves, electrical sockets, vents, and pipes.
Cockroach Control Methods
Over-the-counter products are generally ineffective against a cockroach infestation. Rather than waste your time and money on these, you should contact a professional pest control service to carry out a thorough extermination for you.
At Premier Pest Control, we use up-to-date insecticides and our expert experience for cockroach control in Liverpool. We will place insect detectors around the premises to locate the cockroach nest. Then we will apply a residual insecticide and insecticidal gel in all the affected areas. After this, long-term monitoring will ensure the extermination of the colony.
Cockroach Control Guidelines
