Cockroaches - shire-pest-solutions.co.uk

Having problems with cockroaches

Cockroaches are distinguished by their very long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky walk. The adult German Cockroach is a light yellowy/brown and is 10 to 15mm long. The Oriental Cockroach is dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long. Immature stages of Cockroach, look exactly like adults, just on a smaller scale.

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Additional Information

The German Cockroach carries its egg case, until the 30 or more nymphs are ready to hatch. The Oriental Cockroach deposits its 13mm long egg capsule on packaging, sacking or in suitable dark crevices, before the 16 to 18 nymphs hatch around 12 weeks later. They grow in stages, from nymphs to maturity in 6 to 12 months for the Oriental Cockroach, and 6 to 12 weeks for the German Cockroach.

Cockroaches are rarely able to survive out of doors in the British climate, but thrive around the heating ducts and boiler rooms of large centrally heated buildings like hospitals, bakeries, hotels and restaurant kitchens, and blocks of flats. They cluster around pipes, stoves, and sinks, especially in humid areas, and will often remain hidden during the day.

Cockroaches will feed on almost anything, including refuse, faecal matter and food for consumption. They also require access to water, and will be generally found in inaccessible harbourages

Remedy:

Areas with food, water and dark spaces to hide are ideal environments for Cockroaches to live. Here few prevention tips for securing your property:

Keep areas clean and tidy – Clean all surfaces thoroughly to remove any food residue. Try and not leave dirty dishes and utensils in the sink. Keep bins covered, clean, and emptied regularly. Areas such as top or beneath your refrigerator are warm and food collect their, attracting Cockroaches, so clean these areas regularly.  

Proofing and Repair – seal gaps around doors, windows, and where utility lines enter to prevent entry. If possible, repair any leaks beneath the sink, and on the sink top, immediately, thus cutting a potential water source.

Control of cockroaches is seldom easy because of the difficulty of getting the insecticide to the insect. The insecticide, ideally, should have sufficient persistence to kill the nymphs hatching later from un-hatched egg capsules.For your Cockroach infestation, give us a call. We are trained in cockroach control and will have access to a range of professional use insecticides which are not available to the public.

Hygiene – A thorough clean of the area should take place prior to the insecticidal treatment. Pay particular attention to removing food and water sources and hiding places.

DO COCKROACHES CARRY DISEASES?

Cockroaches are known to spread a range of diseases, including salmonella, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and even the polio virus. As scavengers, cockroaches can feed on anything from food spills to faecal matter, ingesting bacteria that can survive for months in their digestive system. They spread these pathogens through their droppings and by contaminating food with vomit and feces. This is how disease can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food.

Common Hiding Spots:

Cockroaches prefer warm, humid environments, making kitchens and food preparation areas prime locations for infestation. They are commonly found in:

Cracks in walls
Hidden spaces behind refrigerators and in pantries
Underneath furniture or stacks of paper and cardboard
Kitchen cupboards, sinks, and drains
Around water heaters and in grease traps

Managing Cockroach Infestations:

To prevent or eliminate a cockroach infestation, follow these key steps:

Clean your home thoroughly, especially the kitchen.
Regularly empty trash bins and clean food spills.
Repair cracks and gaps in walls and around plumbing.
Seal food in airtight containers.
Use cockroach baits and physical traps, and consider professional pest control if needed.

By maintaining a clean environment and addressing food and water sources, you can reduce the risk of a cockroach infestation and its associated health risks.

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Location :

4 Compton Close, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7HD

Email :

office@shire-pest-solutions.co.uk

Phone :

01235399073

Cockroaches FAQ

1. What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?

Common signs include sightings of live or dead cockroaches, especially at night, droppings that resemble black pepper, smear marks, shed skins, and a musty odour in infested areas such as kitchens or bathrooms.

2. Are cockroaches dangerous to my health?

Yes. Cockroaches can spread harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, contaminate food, and trigger asthma and allergies through their droppings, saliva, and shed skin particles.

3. What causes a cockroach infestation?

Cockroaches are attracted to food residues, warmth, and moisture. Poor hygiene, food crumbs, leaking pipes, and cluttered environments provide ideal conditions for them to thrive and multiply.

4. Can I get rid of cockroaches myself?

DIY sprays and traps may reduce numbers temporarily, but cockroach infestations are notoriously difficult to eliminate without professional pest control. Hidden nests and resistant eggs often go untreated without expert help.

5. Do you offer cockroach treatment in my area?

Yes, Shire Pest Solutions offers fast and effective cockroach control services across Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our treatments target all life stages for complete eradication and long-term prevention.