Cockroaches

Cockroaches are smaller than rodents but they are quite large insects. They are nocturnal so are not as easy to identify.

 

 

The 2 main species of cockroaches found in England 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.

 

 

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 are quite large for an insect so you are more liable to see them compared to other types of insects, particularly if you switch the light on at night you may see them scurrying for cover. Dead cockroaches and discarded egg cases will be evident in areas that are difficult to clean such are behind and underneath equipment. A favourite place to seek harbourage is around refrigerator and freezer motors and/or compressors, as they are dark and not readily accessible.

 

 

cockroaches leave small dark brown/black marks on surfaces near their harbourage or where they are feeding.

 

 

Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faecal matter. 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 food.