Cockroaches
 Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have Cockroaches in my property?
Cockroaches have moved in with man and become household pests, because our homes and other buildings provide them with abundant food and warmth.
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Are there more than one species of cockroach?
Only two species are important in British buildings:
- The Oriental Cockroach (Black Cockroach, Common Cockroach)
Usually found around drains, dustbins and rubbish tips.
- German Cockroach ("Steam Fly")
Usually found in warm indoor environments, often on the tops of walls and along pipes.
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How do I know it is a cockroach?
Cockroaches can run very fast with a "scuttling" type of movement and have long legs that flail about as they run. They appear to have two small 'tails' at the rear. They have long antennae ("feelers") and a flattened body, which enables them to creep into very narrow cracks. They also have a strong, distinctive smell.
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Do Cockroaches carry diseases?
Cockroaches can carry several intestinal diseases including gastro-enteritis, food poisoning and dysentery.
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Where do they live?
Heating ducts and other warm refuges are common places to find cockroaches. They are often found in minute cracks in walls and floors.
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When will I see them?
All cockroaches are nocturnal with optimum activity 2-5 hours after darkness.
During the day these insects usually hide in the following areas:
- Cracks, holes and crevices around skirting boards or the wall/floor junction.
- Service pipe work, conduits, light fittings and air conditioning ducts.
- Drain channels, lifts and lift shafts.
- Motor rooms, refuse areas and boiler houses.
- Waste ground or adjoining premises.
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What do I look out for?
- Live/dead insects, cast nymph skins or insect fragments.
- Cockroach droppings - tiny flecks resembling black plastic 1-2 mm in width and irregular in length.
- Regurgitation marks.
- Oothecae (egg cases) - small dark segmented pellets 5-8mm.
- Odour- Heavy infestations are accompanied by a musty smell.
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How do I stop them living in my home?
- Prevent entry - seal off all possible entry points around pipes or cables or gaps below doors.
- Check drainage systems or sub floor ventilation.
- Remove hiding places - panelling around rooms or pipe work
- Ensure good housekeeping.
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Can I treat them myself?
No. Careful building surveys are needed to establish the true extent of a cockroach infestation using sticky traps or other monitoring devices.
Effective control can be difficult to achieve, therefore follow up treatments are made to ensure a sufficient level of insecticide is present to control emerging nymphs of up to, say, 3 months. The majority of products cleared for cockroach control are effective killers if they can be brought into contact with the insect; therefore the treatment of harbourage voids using specialist application equipment is vital in any control programme.
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Will the Council help?
Yes - Arrangements can be made with the Call Centre on 020 8303 7777 Option 2.
For cost of this service please see pricing table
For Commercial properties please see pricing table
Alternatively, you can contact a private pest control company and arrange your own treatment. Numbers for these companies can be found in the Yellow Pages.
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