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Pest control - cockroaches

Cockroaches can be found in premises where food is stored or handled including in the home. They are nocturnal insects and will spend most of the day hiding in cracks, around drains, pipe work and service ducting. Infestations may be introduced into premises in laundry and food deliveries.

Cockroaches are a serious health risk because of the ease with which they can infest and infect foodstuffs. Cockroaches carry food poisoning germs on their bodies and are responsible for the spread of dysentery and gastro-enteritis. They will feed on almost anything including faecal matter and food for human consumption. Contamination will occur when the insect comes into contact with food or work surfaces or through faecal contamination of foodstuffs.

The most common species of cockroach in Britain is the German Cockroach which is 10-15mm in length and of a yellowish-brown colour. Less common are Oriental Cockroaches which are dark brown and up to 25mm in length. Larger still, but fortunately rare in this country, are the American Cockroaches which are up to 45mm and red-brown in colour.

Prevention

You can assist by ensuring that your premises are clean and that there are no food sources and hiding places for cockroaches.

You will need professional help in treating a cockroach infestation particularly if you run commercial food premises.

Our Pest Control Officers will usually treat your premises with an insecticidal spray around the boundary of rooms, at the junction between walls and floor, behind equipment, in vents and ducting. Sometimes baits and growth regulators are also used. The treated area should be left undisturbed for as long as possible. We will need to re-treat your premises to kill any new nymphs as they emerge from their eggs.

Safety

All pesticides applied by our qualified staff are chosen to ensure the safety of the public and to minimise damage to the environment.

Last updated: 25 November 2009