Cockroaches are possibly the most reviled of pests, and with good reason. They are notoriously resilient and reproduce in great numbers so knowing how to get rid of them quickly and effectively is important.

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are resilient, fast moving insects that have existed for over 280 million years.  There are over 4,500 species of cockroaches worldwide but humans are only ever likely to encounter 30.

Common household cockroaches include the German and the American cockroach.

They are easily identified by their flattened bodies, long antennae and scuttling movement.

With their unique adaptability to withstand most environments and their ability to reproduce in great numbers a cockroach infestation can quickly spiral out of control.

How to get rid of cockroaches

When you have identified you have a cockroach infestation, you need to take appropriate action to get rid of them. Whichever species of cockroach you are dealing with the treatment is similar.

To target and kill any visible cockroaches we recommend using a cockroach killer spray. Not only does this spray provide immediate elimination it also prevents the lifecycle and leaves behind a long lasting residual barrier for up to three months.

Our cockroach killer powder can be used to target those that are hiding in any cracks and crevices around your home. Alternatively, it can be used to create a barrier around common entry points for future protection.

If you are looking to treat an entire room then our cockroach smoke bombs will provide a fast and effective solution. Once ignited the fumes will target all areas of the room including inaccessible spots for complete elimination and control.

Note: Make sure to follow all safety advice before using a smoke bomb.

Signs of cockroaches

Identifying the signs of a cockroach infestation early is important as it prevents a bigger problem from developing. Look out for these common signs.

Strange odour

If you notice an unpleasant, lingering odour under sinks, behind appliances or in store cupboards, it’s time to check for cockroaches. The smell can be described as musty, sweet and sometimes like almond and this can taint food and surfaces they come in contact with.

Droppings

Cockroach droppings will be visible. For small roaches, this will be evident like black pepper. Larger roaches produce more cylindrical droppings. If you clean up the droppings, take caution as they can leave behind nasty pathogens.

Shredded skin

Cockroaches are able to flatten their bodies, so can just as easily be found beneath mats, behind wallpaper and in wall cracks. Oval-shaped egg cases, known as oothecae, may be found hanging off furniture.

Damage to property and belongings

As mentioned earlier, cockroaches will eat pretty much anything and this can cause significant visible damage to properties. In doing so they often leave behind chew marks and other visible damage to a range of surfaces and packaging.

How to prevent cockroaches

Prevention is always better than cure and can save you a lot of time and money so make sure to check our top tips for preventing a cockroach infestation below.

Remove food sources

Cockroaches rely heavily on the food we leave behind and will go to great lengths to reach a food source.

They enjoy feeding on high sugar, high protein and high carbohydrates food sources so the best way to prevent an infestation is to not leave any food sources lying around.

Keep surfaces clean

Cockroaches are known to be unhygienic and carry a lot of diseases so one way to prevent them is to keep surfaces in your home or business as clean as possible.

Make sure to pay particular attention to areas where food is prepared or stored such as kitchens and pantries.

Reduce moisture

Cockroaches are attracted to warm moist environments in particular ones with sources of water.

Try to reduce moisture in your home by fixing any obvious leaks in your kitchen, bathroom and other areas, keep rooms well ventilated by opening doors and windows regularly and wipe down wet and damp surfaces daily.

Seal up obvious entry points

Cockroaches are sneaky pests and can flatten their bodies putting any home with easy access points at greater risk.

Check around your home and seal up any cracks or crevices, gaps around pipes, skirting boards, kitchen sinks and cupboards.

What causes cockroaches?

Cockroaches are mainly attracted to our homes to find warmth and shelter as well as water and food sources. If our homes are unkept and dirty they can become the ideal location for cockroaches to rest and breed.

Can cockroaches bite?

Yes whilst cockroaches can bite it’s very uncommon. The majority of cockroach species are not aggressive and don't pay much attention to humans. They are more interested in other food sources.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Cockroaches aren’t dangerous in the sense of attacking or biting humans but they can pose significant health risks if they contaminate food sources or surfaces around our home.

Do cockroaches carry diseases?

Yes, cockroaches can carry and transmit many diseases including Salmonella, E.coli and Dysentry as well as other harmful pathogens. Preventing and getting rid of cockroaches is crucial for our health and safety.