Cockroaches

Cockroaches can carry food germs on their bodies and are responsible for the spread of diseases such as dysentery and gastro-enteritis.

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What do they look like?

Cockroaches vary in size from 10mm-23mm in length with long antennae and two sets of wings. The two main species of cockroach found in the UK 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.

Where do they live?

Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature being visible often only at night. They spend the day hiding in cracks around areas like sinks, drains, cookers and the backs of service ducts. If at night you suddenly turn the lights on you may see them. Where they are present in large numbers they may give out an unpleasant almond-like smell. 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 will feed on almost anything including faecal matter.

Why cockroaches are a pest?

Germs can be spread from the body of a cockroach or from their droppings. They can carry food poisoning organisms. Contamination occurs when the cockroaches come into contact with our foodstuffs

How you can prevent an infestation?

Good hygiene is the key to minimizing infestations of cockroaches in your home. It denies them a food source and makes them easier to spot.

How can I get rid of cockroaches?

Newcastle City Council provides a pest control service for the treatment of Cockroaches, including details of the treatment and post treatment advice.

Please note that it can take several visits to resolve a cockroach infestation. We use a special insecticide gel and cockroach traps.

If you do attempt treatment yourself, when using pesticides always follow the instructions on the label.