Cockroaches
What they look like
Cockroaches are quite large insects. They vary in size from
10mm-23mm in length with long antennae and two sets of wings. The
two main species of cockroach found in the UK are the German
cockroach and the Oriental cockroach.
The German cockroach prefers warm, moist environments, particularly heating systems in large buildings. It can swim, fly, climb smooth surfaces easily and hide in inaccessible places.
The Oriental cockroach is found mainly indoors in heated buildings like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, prisons and blocks of flats. It is sometimes found outdoors around dustbins and rubbish tips. It is dark brown to black in colour, very shiny, and has long flexible antennae and a flattened body. It cannot fly or climb smooth surfaces but can move very rapidly.
Where they live
Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature being visible often only
at night. They spend the day hiding in cracks around areas like
sinks, drains, cookers and the backs of service ducts. If at night
you suddenly turn the lights on you may see them. Where they are
present in large numbers they may give out an 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). The nymphs are like the
adults but smaller and lighter. The nymphs take some months to
mature. Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faecal
matter.
Why cockroaches are a pest
Germs can be spread from the body of a cockroach or from
their droppings. They can carry dysentry, gastro-enteritis, typhoid
and food poisoning organisms. Contamination occurs when the
cockroaches come into contact with our foodstuffs
How you can prevent an infestation
Good hygiene is the key to keeping cockroaches out of your
home. It denies them a food source and makes them easier to spot.
All cracks, crevices and other building problems that could provide
a dark enclosure for cockroaches should be repaired as quickly as
possible. Pipe work should not be boxed in as it provides an
excellent hiding place for them.
How can I get rid of cockroaches?
Most treatments that you can buy yourself over the counter
are not very effective against cockroaches. You should seek help
from a professional pest control company at an early stage if you
have cockroaches. Good hygiene is the key to keeping cockroaches
out of your home. It denies a food source and makes them easier to
spot. All cracks, crevices and other building problems that could
provide a dark enclosure for cockroaches should be repaired as
quickly as possible. Pipe work should not be boxed in as it
provides an excellent hiding place.
The council does not currently provide a service for cockroaches except for Ealing Homes residents to whom a free service is offered.
If you do attempt treatment yourself, when using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label.
What to do if you are infested with cockroaches
• If you are an Ealing Homes resident you are
entitled to free treatment.
• If not you should seek help from a professional
pest control company at an early stage. Reputable contractors are
members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Call 0870
609 2687 or visit
www.bpca.org.uk
A leaflet about cockroaches is available in pdf format.