Cockroaches (otherwise known as ‘roaches’) are common insects, with around 4,600 species worldwide. About 30 cockroach species are associated with human habitats and five of those are well known as pests.

Two of the most common types of cockroach pest in the UK are the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and the German cockroach (Blattella germanica).

Generally, as a rule, cockroaches don’t like our British weather (who does?) so they do live within buildings.

Oriental cockroaches are much hardier than the German and, in the summer months, you may even see them outdoors around bin areas where they forage. However, this is very uncommon.

The German cockroach favours higher temperatures and humidities, with a common nickname for it being the “steam fly”.

You’re likely to find them behind appliances where you have warm motors, such as your oven or fridge.

Oriental cockroaches will thrive in cool, damp areas such as basements and drains.

Both these species of cockroach can often be found around the heating ducts and boiler rooms of large, centrally heated buildings.

You should also look for cockroaches around pipes, stoves, and sinks, especially in humid areas like bathrooms and around laundry appliances.

Areas with food, water and dark spaces to hide are ideal environments for cockroaches to live.

The tell-tale signs cockroaches are about

Although the obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is spotting a live one, cockroaches are nocturnal, so it’s unlikely you’ll see them during the day. Instead, you’ll need to check for signs of their presence.

These can include:

• Droppings
• Egg (ootheca) cases
• Shed skins
• Obnoxious odour (large infestations)
• Damage to food or packaging.

If you spot any of these signs, you should call us immediately