How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

People often associate cockroaches with warm and tropical countries. However, you may be surprised to learn that cockroaches are a pest problem in the UK. There are two types of cockroach that have adapted to living inside: the German and Oriental breeds. Our warm buildings and abundance of waste food create the ideal habitat for cockroaches. This means that cockroach control in the UK is required to protect human health. As spreaders of germs and disease, it’s essential to know how to get rid of cockroaches.

Why Are Cockroaches a Problem?

Cockroaches migrate from sewers and drains into businesses and homes. This means that the germs and bacteria they have collected from the sewers spread into the human environment. Cockroaches can squeeze through small gaps and cracks and spend most of their time walking on the ground in dirt. This enables them to spread disease easily and quickly.

The organisms that cockroaches carry are often associated with food poisoning such as salmonella. In food preparation areas and restaurants, cockroaches can infect whole kitchens which could result in a danger to human health. In heavily populated areas cockroaches have a plentiful supply of food of water and can easily move around multiple homes and businesses.

Cockroaches eat everything. From human food to animal faeces, they are not fussy eaters. This means that if they are in a human environment with access to water, they can easily survive and breed.

How Can You Identify A Cockroach Problem?

Cockroaches do not build nests or hives, but they do congregate in areas that are warm and dark with easy access to water and food. As the population of cockroaches starts to grow, their faeces omits a distinct scent which is a key indicator of a cockroach problem.

When cockroaches move around at night, they leave droppings that look like pepper specks and create smear marks on surfaces. When eggs hatch, the cases are left behind, and as cockroaches grow, they shed skin. 

As cockroaches feed, they damage packaging and property so look for any abnormal signs of spilt food packaging or unexplained marks.

Why Get Rid of Cockroaches?

You may think that with regular cleaning, the germs that cockroaches spread can be controlled, and the risk to human health prevented. The trouble with cockroaches is that they breed rapidly, so no matter how well you clean, the population of the pests will continue to grow. As prolific breeders, the German cockroach can produce several thousand offspring in less than a year.

When the presence of cockroaches is detected, it could be the sign of a large infestation. As small nocturnal creatures, they can easily live undisturbed for months. An infestation can quickly spread on to neighbouring homes and businesses, so it is imperative to get rid of cockroaches promptly and efficiently.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches

Cockroaches have a reputation for being an insect with a high survival rate. Their hardwearing shells and skeletons have fascinated scientists and engineers who study them. Investigations at the University of California have shown how the cockroach can adapt their body to fit through cracks three times smaller than their height.

The same study also revealed why Cockroaches can survive being squashed as their exoskeleton protects them. The flexible shell easily absorbs force which is spread into the legs allowing a cockroach to run away after being hit with a heavy item.

So instead of running around trying to kill a cockroach, you need to identify where they have decided to live. If you suspect you have seen signs of a cockroach, now is the time to clean up. Tidy away mess and wash all dishes and cookware. Ensure all rubbish is tightly sealed and disposed of. Clear up any stacks of paper and clothing to make your floor areas easy to view to the edges.

As you tidy up, keep an eye out for any signs of droppings, damage, or smear marks. You could put down sticky traps to monitor how big the infestation is. These traps will not treat the problem, but when put in different rooms, it will help locate the areas most used by the cockroaches.

Once you have tidied and cleaned the property, it is time to call in the experts. As insecticides are generally required to clear cockroaches, it is recommended to use a professional pest control expert.

Cockroaches can hide in hard to identify areas, so you need the experience of a professional to make sure the infestation is appropriately treated.

Get Rid of Cockroaches for Good

If you own a catering business, prevention of a cockroach infestation is especially important. Implement a regular cleaning schedule and check that all staff follow this. Consult a pest control expert to visit the property to identify any risk areas. A leak behind a sink or a crack in a wall may not be noticed, so regular property maintenance is crucial.