Understanding Cockroach Infestations
Cockroaches are resilient insects that pose significant health risks to your family whilst contaminating food preparation areas, spreading bacteria, and triggering allergies. These persistent pests can establish large colonies in your kitchen, bathroom, and throughout your home if left untreated.
Common species in the UK include: German cockroaches (most common indoors), Oriental cockroaches (prefer damp areas), American cockroaches (largest species), and Brown-banded cockroaches. Each species prefers different environments but all require professional intervention for effective elimination.
Signs of cockroach infestation: Live or dead insects in kitchens and bathrooms, dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper, egg cases (oothecae) in hidden areas, musty or oily odour in heavily infested areas, grease marks along walls where cockroaches travel, and chewed food packaging.
Cockroaches are nocturnal and excellent at hiding in cracks, crevices, and warm areas near food and water sources. They commonly inhabit kitchen cupboards, behind appliances, bathroom areas, basements, and any areas with moisture and food debris.
Professional treatment is essential because cockroaches reproduce rapidly, with German cockroaches producing up to 400 offspring per year. They carry numerous pathogens including Salmonella, E. coli, and allergens that can trigger asthma. Our comprehensive approach targets breeding sites, eliminates entire colonies, and prevents reinfestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you respond to a cockroach problem?
We recognise the urgency of cockroach infestations due to health risks and rapid reproduction. We typically respond within 24 hours of your call, with same-day emergency service available for severe infestations in food preparation areas or homes with young children and elderly residents.
What methods do you use to eliminate cockroaches?
We employ gel baiting systems, residual spray treatments, dusting in wall voids and crevices, sticky traps for monitoring, and integrated pest management techniques. Our treatments specifically target cockroach harbourage areas and breeding sites whilst being safe for use in kitchens and food areas.
Are cockroaches dangerous to my family's health?
Yes, cockroaches pose significant health risks. They carry bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus, contaminate food surfaces, trigger asthma and allergies (especially in children), and spread parasitic worms. Their droppings and shed skins contain allergens that can cause respiratory issues.
Why do I still see cockroaches after treatment?
It's normal to see increased activity for 7-14 days after treatment as cockroaches are flushed out of hiding spots. Gel baits work by cockroaches consuming the bait and returning to harbourage areas where they die and affect others. Complete elimination typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on infestation severity.
How do cockroaches get into my home?
Cockroaches enter through gaps under doors, cracks in walls, drains, pipes, deliveries, shopping bags, second-hand appliances, and neighbouring infested properties. They're attracted to food debris, moisture, warmth, and shelter. Even the cleanest homes can become infested through these entry points.
Is cockroach treatment safe in kitchens and around food?
Absolutely. We use food-safe treatments specifically designed for kitchen environments. Gel baits are placed in targeted locations away from food contact surfaces, and our spray treatments are applied to non-food areas only. We provide clear guidance on food safety during and after treatment.
What's included in your cockroach elimination guarantee?
Our guarantee covers complete elimination of the cockroach infestation in treated areas. If cockroaches return within the guarantee period following our complete treatment programme, we'll return to re-treat at no additional cost. We're committed to protecting your family's health and home hygiene.
What can I do to prevent cockroaches returning?
We provide comprehensive prevention advice including: sealing cracks and gaps, eliminating water sources, proper food storage in sealed containers, regular cleaning of kitchen areas, removing clutter, and maintaining monitoring stations. Prevention is key to long-term cockroach control.
