Cockroaches
Cockroaches can contaminate food with their excrement, give out
an unpleasant odour, and may cause an allergic skin reaction for
the householders of the home they have chosen to inhabit. For these
reasons they need to be effectively controlled.
Cockroaches are large robust insects with whip like antennae and
two pairs of wings. The most common species found in the UK are the
Oriental and German cockroaches. They can gather together in large
numbers if left unchecked.
Cockroaches like the warm, humid conditions found in a typical
home and domestic conditions can give them a good source of food as
well as shelter. They are nocturnal; spending the day in such areas
as sinks, drains, behind cupboards and around fridge motors before
they come out at night to feed.
Oriental cockroaches are often found in cooler and less humid
areas such as drains and basements and can thrive in buildings with
service ducts and complex plumbing.
Life Cycle
Oriental Cockroach
The female lays her eggs in a capsule containing up to 16 eggs
and carries it to an area where the young can find food once they
have hatched. After about 6 – 12 weeks the eggs hatch into
small versions of the adults but without wings. These are known as
nymphs and take between ten months and two years to grow to
adulthood yet may only survive as an adult for 18 weeks.
German Cockroach
The egg capsules of German cockroaches contain up to 32 eggs.
The female carries the egg case for some time and drops it when the
eggs are close to hatching. The nymphs take approximately 14 weeks
to grow into adults and can live for approximately 34 weeks.
Control
High standards of hygiene can stop cockroaches from getting food
while sealing cracks and crevices, especially in areas where food
is prepared, can remove the required shelter the creatures
need.
You can treat cockroaches yourself using an insecticide designed
for this purpose. You must apply it to areas where cockroaches
shelter such as cracks, behind cupboards and larger appliances and
any isolated areas. You must follow the instructions on the
product label.
Please read the label and follow the instructions on any
insecticide you use and look specifically for any additional
measures you may need to take in respect of children and
animals.
Can I get them treated?
Cheshire East Council provides a free service for controlling
cockroaches in domestic properties.Cheshire East Council provides a
service for controlling ants in domestic properties for a
competitive charge. For details of this service please refer
to our pest control home page.
Fully trained Pest Control Technicians will look at the
infestation, and draw up a treatment programme in the most
appropriate locations. They will return to your home to make sure
the treatment is successful. If you need our help, please use our
contact details above to get in touch.
Insect Drawings © Bayer 1964