Local, Affordable, Cockroach Control Services
across Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Cockroaches aren’t dangerous in the sense of being aggressive or harmful to humans directly, but they can pose health risks:

• Health Concerns: Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can contaminate food and surfaces, potentially leading to stomach upsets or food poisoning.

• Allergies and Asthma: Their droppings, shed skin, and saliva contain allergens that may trigger asthma symptoms or allergic reactions, particularly in children and sensitive individuals.

• Hygiene Issues: As scavengers, cockroaches often travel through unsanitary areas and can spread germs wherever they go, making them a concern in kitchens and food storage areas.

While they’re not dangerous in a physical sense, their presence indoors is a sign of poor hygiene and can contribute to health problems over time.

Cockroaches may seem to appear out of nowhere, but there’s usually a reason behind it. Their sudden presence often points to changes in the environment or an underlying issue indoors:

• Food, Water, and Warmth: These are the three essentials cockroaches seek. If food is left out, bins aren’t sealed properly, or there’s excess moisture (like leaking pipes), cockroaches may be drawn in.

• Seasonal Changes: Cold weather or heavy rain can drive outdoor cockroaches indoors in search of shelter and warmth.

• Hidden Infestation: Roaches are nocturnal and excellent at hiding. A sudden sighting may indicate they’ve been breeding unnoticed and the population has grown.

• Brought in Accidentally: Cockroaches or their eggs can hitch a ride in cardboard boxes, second-hand furniture, or even shopping bags.

• Neighbouring Infestations: In flats or terraced housing, cockroaches can migrate from neighbouring properties through shared walls, pipes, or vents.

If you spot a cockroach, don’t panic — but do act promptly. A single sighting can be a sign of a larger issue because cockroaches rarely travel alone!

• Inspect the Area: Check common hiding spots like behind the fridge, under the sink, and inside cupboards for droppings, shed skin, or egg cases. These are signs of a possible infestation.

• Clean Thoroughly: Remove food debris, seal bins, and wipe down surfaces. Cockroaches are drawn to crumbs, grease, and moisture.

• Set Traps or Bait Stations: These can help monitor activity and reduce numbers. If you catch more than one, it’s worth investigating further.

• Seal Entry Points: Block gaps around pipes, vents, and skirting boards to prevent more from getting in.

• Consider Professional Help: If you see multiple cockroaches or signs of nesting, it’s best to contact a pest control expert. Roaches are nocturnal and excellent at hiding, so daytime sightings often mean overcrowding.

Cockroaches are notoriously resilient, which can make them difficult to eliminate — but not impossible. With the right approach, even stubborn infestations can be brought under control:

• Hardy Survivors: Cockroaches can live for weeks without food, squeeze into tiny gaps, and even develop resistance to certain insecticides. Their ability to hide and reproduce quickly means infestations can escalate before you notice.

• DIY vs Professional Treatment: While traps and sprays may help with minor issues, more serious infestations often require professional pest control. Experts use targeted treatments and integrated pest management techniques to break the breeding cycle.

• Persistence Pays Off: Success depends on consistency — cleaning thoroughly, sealing entry points, and using the right products. It’s not a one-off job; ongoing monitoring is key.

• Not Impossible: Despite their reputation, cockroaches can be eradicated. With proper sanitation, effective baiting, and expert help if needed, most infestations can be resolved.

Cockroaches are masters of concealment, often hiding in places that are dark, warm, and close to food or moisture. Common hiding spots include:

• Kitchens: Behind fridges, under sinks, inside cupboards, and around cookers — anywhere with crumbs, grease, or water.

• Bathrooms: Under basins, behind toilets, and around pipework, where humidity and warmth make ideal conditions.

• Appliances: Inside or behind electrical items like microwaves, kettles, and washing machines, especially if they’re rarely moved or cleaned.

• Furniture: In cracks and crevices of sofas, cabinets, and drawers — particularly if the furniture is rarely disturbed.

• Basements and Lofts: These areas tend to be quiet, dark, and damp, making them perfect for nesting.

• Cardboard and Clutter: Cockroaches love cardboard boxes, paper piles, and cluttered storage areas, which offer both shelter and potential food sources.

• Pipes and Wall Voids: They can travel through plumbing and hide inside wall cavities, especially in flats or terraced housing.

If you spot one cockroach, it’s worth checking these areas thoroughly — they rarely live alone.

Several species of cockroach can be found in the UK include:

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

• The most widespread pest species in the UK.

• Light brown with two dark stripes behind the head.

• Prefers warm, humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

• Fast breeders and often found near food and water sources.

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

• Dark brown or black with a glossy appearance.

• Larger than German cockroaches, growing up to 2–3 cm.

• Thrives in damp, cooler areas such as basements, drains, and boiler rooms.

Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

• Less common in the UK.

• Small and reddish-brown with two pale bands across the body.

• Prefers dry, warm areas and may hide in furniture or behind wallpaper.

American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

• Rare in the UK but occasionally found in heated buildings.

• Large (up to 4 cm), reddish-brown, and capable of flight.

• Typically found in commercial premises or tropical greenhouses.

Native Outdoor Species

• Tawny, Dusky, and Lesser Cockroaches are native to parts of southern England and Wales.

• These species live outdoors and are not considered pests.

Spotting a single cockroach doesn’t necessarily mean your home is infested — but it can be a warning sign. Cockroaches are social insects and excellent at hiding, so if you see one, there’s a chance others are nearby.

Here’s what to consider:

• It Might Not Be Alone: Cockroaches rarely travel solo. A sighting could mean there’s a nest or breeding site hidden out of view.

• Check for Signs: Look for droppings (similar to ground coffee), shed skins, egg cases, or a musty smell. These are indicators of a larger problem.

• Clean and Monitor: Remove food sources, seal bins, and check common hiding spots. Setting traps can help you gauge whether more are present.

• Act Promptly: Early action can prevent a minor issue from becoming a full-blown infestation. If you spot more than one or find signs of nesting, it’s best to contact a pest control professional.

So while there’s no need to panic, it’s wise to take any sighting seriously and investigate further.

While it’s not immediately dangerous, sleeping in a room with a cockroach isn’t ideal — especially from a hygiene and health perspective.

- Low Risk of Harm: Cockroaches rarely bite and tend to avoid humans. However, they can crawl on you while you sleep, especially if the room is quiet, dark, and has food or clutter nearby.

- Health Concerns: Roaches can carry bacteria and allergens that may affect your health over time. If they’ve been crawling across bedding or surfaces, they could leave behind traces that trigger allergies or asthma.

- Stress and Sleep Disruption: Knowing a cockroach is nearby can cause anxiety or sleeplessness. For some, the thought alone is enough to disturb rest.

- Signs of a Bigger Issue: A cockroach in the bedroom may indicate an infestation elsewhere in the home. Bedrooms aren’t their preferred habitat, so their presence could mean they’re spreading from kitchens or bathrooms.

What to Do:

- Remove clutter and food sources.

- Set traps or bait stations.

- Inspect adjoining rooms for signs of infestation.

- Consider professional pest control if sightings continue.

Cockroaches lay their eggs in warm, damp, and hidden places — often close to food and water sources. The eggs are enclosed in a protective case called an ootheca, which can contain anywhere from 20 to 50 eggs depending on the species.

Common hiding spots for cockroach eggs include:

• Behind kitchen appliances like fridges and cookers

• Under sinks and inside bathroom cabinets

• Around plumbing fixtures and pipework

• In cracks, crevices, and wall voids

• Inside cardboard boxes, clutter, and storage areas

• Near baseboards, drains, and boiler cupboards

• In damp rooms such as basements or laundry areas

Some species, like the German cockroach, carry the egg case until just before hatching, while others deposit it in sheltered spots. If you find empty egg cases, it’s a sign that young cockroaches may already be active nearby.

Unlike ants or bees, most cockroach species don’t have a “queen” in the traditional sense. However, in highly social species like the German cockroach or American cockroach, the dominant reproductive female is sometimes referred to as a queen.

Key features of a queen cockroach:

• Larger Size: She’s typically the biggest female in the colony, with a wider abdomen to support egg production.

• Egg Case (Ootheca): In species like the German cockroach, the queen carries a visible egg case at the end of her abdomen until just before hatching.

• Longer Lifespan: Queens live longer than other colony members and produce hundreds of offspring.

• Pheromone Control: She releases chemical signals that suppress reproduction in other females, maintaining her dominant role.

We highly recommend contacting your local pest controller for help, support and guidance when thinking about using chemicals to kill cockroaches due to the potential health risks, safety concerns, and regulations associated with pesticide use.

Pest control professionals are trained in the safe application of these substances and can ensure that treatments are both effective and pose minimal risk to people, pets, and the environment.

Additionally, improper use of chemicals can worsen infestations or create hazardous conditions in your home. Always seek expert advice before attempting any chemical treatments.

The lifespan of a cockroach depends on its species and environment, but most live anywhere from 6 months to 2 years under ideal conditions.

Lifespans of common UK species:

• German Cockroach: Around 6 to 8 months. Fast breeders, often found in warm indoor spaces.

• Oriental Cockroach: Typically 6 months to 1 year. Prefers cooler, damp areas like basements and drains.

• American Cockroach: Can live up to 2–3 years, though this species is less common in UK homes.

Cockroaches go through three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The adult stage is when they’re most active and capable of reproduction.

Females often live longer than males and can produce hundreds of offspring in their lifetime.

Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers, meaning they’ll eat almost anything — and they’re not fussy. Their diet includes both plant and animal matter, and they’re drawn to homes by easy access to food and water.

Common food sources include:

• Human food: Bread, cereal, meat, sweets, greasy leftovers, and even beer

• Kitchen waste: Crumbs, dirty dishes, food splatters, and unsealed bins

• Pantry items: Sugar, flour, pasta — they’ll chew through cardboard or plastic to get inside

• Non-food items: Paper, cardboard, book bindings, glue, soap, and even hair or skin flakes

• Organic debris: Dead insects, decaying plant matter, and compost

Cockroaches can survive for weeks without food, but they spend most of their time searching for it. Denying them access to food is one of the most effective ways to control their presence.

Yes — cockroaches are excellent climbers and can easily scale walls, furniture, and even ceilings. Their legs are equipped with tiny claws and sticky pads that allow them to grip rough surfaces like:

• Plaster and brick

• Wood and drywall

• Textured wallpaper

• Stone and tile

They use these specialised feet to cling to vertical surfaces and even hang upside down. That’s why you might spot them high up on walls or darting across ceilings.

Surfaces they struggle with:

• Smooth glass

• Polished metal

• Porcelain

• Marble

These materials are too slick for their claws to grip, making them useful for traps or barriers.

Rarely, and usually only in extreme infestations. Bites are not venomous but may cause irritation.

Keep food sealed, bins closed, and surfaces clean. Fix leaks and reduce clutter. Prevention is key.

Yes. They can move through shared walls, plumbing, and vents — especially in blocks of flats or terraced housing, as well as social housing.

Not quite! They’re highly resistant to radiation, but individual cockroaches would still die from direct exposure. It’s more myth than fact.

Cockroaches have long antennae and a flat, oval body. Beetles tend to have harder wing cases and shorter antennae.

Deep clean all surfaces, especially food prep areas. Use disinfectant and vacuum thoroughly to remove droppings and egg cases.

Not necessarily. Even clean homes can attract cockroaches if there’s access to food, water, and shelter.

Yes, especially for children with asthma or allergies. Their droppings and shed skin can trigger respiratory issues.

Many professional treatments are pet-safe when applied correctly. Always follow product instructions or consult a pest control expert.

Cockroaches leave behind droppings, egg cases, shed skins, and a distinctive musty odour. Seeing live cockroaches, especially at night, is a clear sign.

Yes, cockroaches can carry bacteria and allergens that may trigger asthma and spread diseases, making prompt control essential.

Professionals use targeted inspections, monitoring traps, and a combination of treatments designed for the species and infestation size, often requiring multiple visits.

Maintain good hygiene, seal entry points, fix leaks, and keep food stored securely to reduce attractants and harbourage areas.

German cockroaches are smaller, lighter in colour, and breed faster, often found indoors. Oriental cockroaches are larger, darker, and prefer cooler, damp areas.