(Blatta orientalis) Oriental cockroach
(Blattella germanica) German cockroach
Cockroaches are large winged insects ranging from 12-30mm in length with long antennae. Most people in the UK who have an infestation are likely to have German or Oriental species of cockroach.
The Oriental cockroach is dark brown/black and ranges from 17-30mm whilst the more common German cockroach is lighter brown and smaller 12-15mm. German cockroaches are found throughout buildings but show a preference to warm humid areas. They are good climbers, being able to climb vertical glass or tiled surfaces. An infestation of these cockroaches can be quickly established once they have entered the premises. This species is an extremely serious pest in any different types of premises ranging from hospitals to domestic houses.
Where will you find them?
German cockroaches are more easily visible due to the areas they live in. In a kitchen you are likely to find them in cupboards, behind fridge motors, under sink units and around boiler units. Another sign of an infestation are signs of faeces in cupboards, behind appliances and worktops which resemble black dots.
Oriental cockroaches are normally found in damp humid conditions and basements. This is because it lacks the sticky pads on its feet. They are more difficult to treat as they tend to live in the fabric of the building.
How do we control cockroaches?
Our treatment programme for cockroaches consists of three visits. Our technician will initially talk through the problems you are experiencing and explain what our initial treatment entails. He will then carry out a thorough inspection of your premises prior to any treatment and assess the level and extent of the infestation. Before a treatment is carried out, it is important to identify the cockroach species. This will provide details of the biology, life cycle and habits of the pest, which can be exploited in the control programme. Once this has been established he will then be able to carry out treatment to the appropriate areas. All our treatments are completely safe for children and animals.
Once our treatment is complete we will detail our work in an inspection report and leave this with you, our technician will then arrange a convenient time to carry out a follow up visit.
The follow up
On our first follow up visit will reveal the extent of the infestation and areas which are more heavily infested. These areas will be treated with the appropriate insecticides and sticky insect monitor traps laid down on the first visit will be checked and replaced where necessary. Our second follow up visit will conclude the treatment programme and the premises should normally be clear.
Where there is a history of cockroaches in certain areas it is recommended that a service contract be taken out to maintain an acceptable level of control and prevent the spread of infestation.