Pest Control – Cockroaches

Proactive & Fast Response for Cockroach Infestations

We are a National Pest Control company who can deal with cockroach infestations, provide proactive treatments and combat persistent problems in a discreet manner.

Call our National Helpline for Free Advice – 0800 234 3140

If you’re worried that you might have a cockroach infestation, you will undoubtedly have a lot of questions about these nasty critters! Find out more about what cockroaches need to survive and thrive, the risks they pose, and the steps you can take to get rid of them for good.

Do cockroaches bite?

Yes. Luckily though, it’s unusual for cockroaches to bite, or even to come that close to humans.

Whereas other pests like fleas and bed bugs need humans (or other mammals) as a source of food, cockroaches can feed on most types of organic matter. If they do bite humans, it’s often because they’ve been attracted to food debris, rather than them feeding on human skin or blood.

Any bites they do inflict are likely to be at night, as they are nocturnal creatures. They are also generally very wary of humans, so will usually scuttle away when they hear or see movement. Therefore, if you are unlucky enough to be bitten, it’s most likely to be whilst you are sleeping – so you probably won’t catch them in action. Because of this, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a cockroach bite and other insect bites.

Cockroach bites will generally appear as a red, raised bump – they can look similar to a bedbug bite, although with cockroach bites you’re more likely to see a single bite rather than a cluster. Our experienced technicians can help with both of these types of pests, so get in touch to find out more about the various ways we can help with insect infestations.

What do cockroaches eat?

The bad news is that cockroaches are not fussy. They are omnivorous and will eat most organic matter available to them. Food storage areas and kitchens are prime candidates for cockroach infestations, as they love starchy and sugary foods.

However, they can feed on rotting wood, old books, or human and animal waste. They can survive for over a week without food, so removing a food source isn’t a definitive way to get rid of an infestation. We can guide you through the various pest control options that might be suitable for your circumstances.

Where do cockroaches live?

The attraction of food is a strong draw for cockroaches, however, they are very versatile little creatures, and can settle in all kinds of surprising places. In the home, kitchens and bathrooms are the most common spots, as they love dark, moist hiding spots.

They’re likely to live under cabinets or white goods and even in the walls, which usually means that professional removal is the only option to ensure that you are truly rid of them.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

There are many health issues associated with cockroach infestations. Because they are nocturnal (and small!) it’s often the case that an infestation in a domestic or commercial setting might go unnoticed for quite some time. By the time you become aware of the problem, it’s likely that the population of roaches will be sizeable. By this stage, they might be putting you and others in the building at risk of some very unpleasant illnesses.

It’s critical to get the problem treated quickly and efficiently to minimise the risk and disruption.

Because cockroaches are scavengers, they often feed on human and animal waste. This makes them a vector for many food-borne illnesses including salmonella and e-coli.

Their faeces can also cause allergic reactions, which can be particularly problematic for those with severe asthma. The visible appearance of cockroaches can obviously be extremely detrimental to your reputation in itself, but the added risk of patrons experiencing a severe allergic reaction or asthma attack is one your company cannot afford to take. Find out more about how we can quickly and discretely help rid your home or business of these unpleasant creatures.

How to get rid of cockroaches

Heat treatment is one of the most popular and straightforward methods for getting rid of cockroaches.

They cannot survive temperatures over 50 degrees Celcius, which means that we can quickly and effectively purge them from an area, without the use of any chemical or biological agents. This is a good option for commercial premises, as they can be used again immediately after treatment, and of course, the lack of chemicals means that this is a suitable choice for areas where food is prepared.

Where heat treatment is not viable, commercial-grade pesticides may provide a suitable alternative form of pest control. There are various options that we can provide, including powders or sprays.

There may be restrictions on how quickly you can access and use the premises in the immediate aftermath of a fumigation or spraying treatment, as our team will make an assessment that the area is safe for occupation once the treatment has been concluded. Get in touch to find out more about the different options that we can help you with to stamp out your cockroach problem for good!