Cockroach Infestation: What You Need to Know

If you have sighted cockroaches on your property, they will most likely be either the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) or the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), which are the two most common cockroaches in the UK. You are also most likely and understandably feeling upset. Voted the third most disliked insect in the UK in a YouGov poll last year, public opinion of roaches is far from high. But fear not! Avon Pest Control is here to help.

Why Control Cockroaches?

According to The World Health Organisation, cockroaches can carry intestinal diseases which are transferrable to humans, including:

• Salmonella a bacterial disease affecting the intestinal tract. Symptoms include diarrhoea which may contain blood, fever, vomiting, headache, and stomach cramps
• Dysentery an infection of the intestines which is highly infectious. Symptoms are similar to salmonella and include diarrhoea containing mucus or blood, fever, nausea and or vomiting, and stomach cramps.
• Gastro-enteritis a viral or bacterial intestinal infection. Similar in symptom profile to salmonella and dysentery, gastroenteritis may also cause fever, nausea and or vomiting, headache, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, which usually does not contain blood

Cockroaches also contain a protein found in their saliva and excrement, which can cause allergies. Cockroach droppings are also linked to exacerbation of asthma and eczema.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact your nearest health care provider (e.g., Walk in centre or GP). 

From a business perspective, if cockroaches are found on your premises, your reputation may be damaged.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

• Cockroach droppings have the appearance of coffee grounds, and will be found where they are most active, e.g., near to a food source. Check underneath kitchen appliances and food storage areas
• An unusual smell. A musky, unpleasant almost sweet smell, quite unlike any other
• Shed skins. Cockroaches shed their skins between 5 to 8 times over their lifespan. Such shed skins may be the first visible sign you notice of an infestation

Cockroaches are Exceptionally Resilient

You have probably heard the myth that cockroaches are the only living thing that would survive a nuclear bomb. It is true that certain cockroach species can withstand extremely large amounts of radiation, but ultimately exposure to such amounts would kill them over time. Before that could  happen, the heat of a nuclear bomb would kill a cockroach instantly. Myths aside, cockroaches are exceptionally resilient.  They have very flexible, strong exoskeletons, so if you stand on one, they tend to simply scuttle away. When it comes to mating, a female cockroach can reproduce for several years without a mate. Cockroaches can regrow lost limbs, live for half an hour under water, up to one month without food, and for up to seven days after decapitation. Yes, that’s right! These durable bugs can live for up to a week without a head….

Time to Call in the Pest Control Experts

Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to kill. Aside from the above facts, they can develop resistance to certain insecticides. At Avon Pest Control we have access to the highest professional grade chemicals and address wider considerations such as the source of the issue, and environmental factors to ensure eradication of all stages of the lifecycle. Cockroaches breed very rapidly, so fast action is required to prevent the situation from escalating.

If you think you have cockroaches on your property, call Avon Pest Control today on 01926 632 929 or 01789 293 463 to speak to one of our expert team members.