Can You Get Cockroaches in the UK?
The thought of cockroaches may make your skin crawl, and they are incredibly unwelcome guests, but can you get them in the UK? This article will explain the different cockroach species in the UK and advise you about the dangers and the ways to eliminate them from your home or premises.
Spotting a cockroach scurrying across the floor is a sure warning that you have more. Unfortunately, it can be challenging to get a cockroach infestation under control.
Globally there are 4,600 species of cockroach, with five that are known as pests. The most common cockroaches in the UK are the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and the German Cockroach (Blatella germanica).
Why do we need to control cockroaches in the UK?
To Manage Health Risks
Cockroaches are dangerous pests as they present a health risk to humans. They carry many organisms such as salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus that can cause food poisoning.
They are drawn into buildings to forage for food and water, and as they move about, they will expel partially digested food and leave faeces behind. As cockroaches enter via sewers and drains, they will cross-contaminate every item they encounter, including your surfaces, food and utensils.
To Protect your Reputation
A cockroach infestation can instantly damage your business brand and reputation and expose you to expensive legal action.
Businesses in the food and drinks industry are particularly exposed to the danger of cockroach infestations. Customers will almost certainly complain if they were to spot an invader.
With social media reviews vital to success, a negative review can quickly affect a business.
The financial hit can also be very damaging as Environmental Health Officers will issue fines or enforce legal action if infestations are not managed adequately.
What cockroaches can be found in the UK?
Of the 4,600 different cockroach species globally, you will mainly find two in the UK.
The most common cockroaches found here are the Oriental cockroach and the German Cockroach. Less commonly, you may come across the American cockroach or the Brown Banded cockroach.
Whilst the German cockroach is the more common species, we usually think of the Oriental cockroach when we picture one.
Why do cockroaches invade properties?
Cockroaches in the UK prefer to be inside our homes or premises to avoid cold weather. You rarely see them outside.
The German cockroach prefers a higher temperature and humidity, so they are drawn to appliances with warm motors, such as behind your fridge.
Oriental cockroaches prefer to inhabit cooler, damp areas such as drains.
Any area with food could attract cockroaches so you may find them in the boiler rooms of centrally heated buildings. Bathrooms and laundry rooms also attract them.
How can I tell if I have cockroaches in the UK?
Spotting a cockroach is an obvious sign that you have an infestation, but you may not ever see one as they are nocturnal creatures. Instead, it would be best if you looked for signs they have moved in.
- Faeces
- Egg cases
- Skins
- A foul odour
- Damage to food packaging
If you come across any of these signs, you should immediately contact a pest management professional.
What does a cockroach look like?
It is essential to be able to distinguish a cockroach from a beetle.
Cockroaches have long antennae with flat, oval-shaped bodies. A German cockroach is a light yellow/brown, while an Oriental cockroach is a shiny black/ brown colour.
The German cockroach is smaller, between 10 and 15mm long, while the Oriental is between 20 and 24mm long.
Young cockroaches (nymphs) are smaller versions of adults. The nymphs shed their skins until they reach adulthood. An adult German cockroach will produce over 30 nymphs at a time while an Oriental cockroach produces 16-18 nymphs.
Are cockroaches indestructible?
Cockroaches are primitive animals that even plagued the pre-historic cave dwellers. They have evolved to survive in the harshest of conditions.
- Cockroaches can withstand radiation doses up to 10 times higher than a human.
- Cockroaches can survive without a head because they do not use their mouths for breathing.
- They can squeeze into gaps that are a quarter of their size by flattening their exoskeleton.
- Cockroaches run at 1.5m per second, hence their eerie scuttle.
- They will resort to cannibalism without a food source, but they need a water source to survive.
You can see why they are not an easy pest to eliminate.
How can I control cockroaches?
Prevention is always better than cure, so if you suspect you have or are at risk of cockroaches, you should employ a professional pest control company.
While there are some simple measures that you can take to reduce the chance of getting cockroaches in the first place, it is particularly crucial to be proactive if you are a business that stores or prepares food.
- Clean all surfaces and dispose of food waste securely.
- Wash up utensils and equipment.
- Secure your waste and ensure it is disposed of regularly.
- Clean behind fridges and ovens.
- Seal any small gaps where cockroaches could enter.
- Remove water sources by repairing leaks and drips promptly.
- Clean new equipment to remove any cockroaches that are hitching a ride.
Therefore, do not neglect these measures and ensure that all staff are trained to follow your hygiene and health policies. A slack approach will allow cockroaches to enter and breed, causing your business expenses and damage.
How can I get rid of cockroaches?
If you suspect you have cockroaches, you should take prompt action. As cockroaches are also hardy little survivors with a rapid lifecycle, it is recommended by the BPCA that you employ a professional contractor who will have the skill and training to tackle the job effectively.
They will use a systematic science-backed approach, starting with assessing your problem to find the source of the infestation.
Their certified technicians will choose an appropriate control treatment, including bait, gels or powders, and sprays depending on what they determine will be the most effective route.
A schedule of visits may follow this up to ensure that the problem is controlled long term.