Pest Control Fact Sheets

Cockroaches

The 2 most commonly found cockroaches in the United Kingdom are:

The German Cockroach
The Oriental Cockroach

Cockroaches are large insects which range in size from 10-23 millimetres they have a long antennae and 2 pairs of wings.

The German Cockroach is dark brown and smaller than the Oriental cockroach, which is black in colour. The German variety can climb smooth surfaces.

Health risks

Cockroaches carry food poisoning germs on their bodies and are responsible for the spread of dysentery and gastroenteritis. They will feed on almost anything including faecal matter. Food contamination will occur when the insect comes in to contact with food, food preparation surfaces or through faecal contamination of foodstuffs.

Life cycle

The female cockroach produces up to 8 purse-like egg cases at monthly intervals. The cases can contain up to 30 eggs and nymphs hatch in 2-4 weeks (6-12 weeks for Oriental cockroaches). The nymph looks the same as an adult cockroach, only smaller.

Recognising a cockroach problem

You may see their eggs, which are the size and shape of a kidney bean and brown in colour. You may also notice cockroach faeces, which looks like black pepper.

Where do they like to live?

Cockroaches can be found in premises where food is stored or handled. They will spend most of the day hiding in cracks and around drains and service ducting. They are most active at night and if a light is turned on will scamper away to hide. Infestations are mainly introduced into premises in food and laundry deliveries.

Preventative treatment

You can help to prevent infestations by making sure your premises are clean and that there are no food sources or hiding places. Plug all small cracks around baseboards, cupboards, pipes, sinks and water heaters with latex or silicone sealant. Larger holes will need to be patched. Move debris, firewood and rubbish away from the house and out of kitchens.

Treatment we provide

You will need professional help in treating a cockroach infestation particularly if you run a commercial food premises. Our Pest Control officers will treat your premises with gel bait, which poisons the cockroaches. This visit will take between 30 minutes to an hour. The gel bait can take up to 48 hours to work. A follow up visit will be made between 4-6 weeks later.

Charges

For information about charges please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct.

Methods of payment

Cash - the exact amount as no change can be given
Cheque - supported by a Cheque Guarantee Card
Credit Card - by telephone when booking the appointment

Important: If you are paying by cash and do not have the exact amount, please note that treatment will not be carried out.

Please note: We require 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. If you fail to keep an appointment and do not notify us at least 24 hours before, a £10 fee will be incurred. No further service will be provided until this fee has been paid.