Cockroaches

There are 2 main types of Cockroaches in the UK.

German Cockroach (Blattella Germanica)
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

These names originate from when these insects were found on trading ships, nowadays they are found in many types of premises, especially ones associated with food production or handling.

They are also often found in public buildings and blocks of flats. They are nocturnal and spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices around drains, cookers, the backs of cupboards and in fridge motors. They are especially common in buildings with service ducts and complex plumbing installations.

Infestations can be brought in on deliveries, food, people and from the drain systems.

Oriental Cockroach

Adults, 20-24mm long, colour dark brown, nearly black. Wings of male cover two thirds of abdomen, wings of female are stumps. Oriental Cockroaches can climb rough surfaces like brick but not smooth painted surfaces.

German Cockroach

Adult, 10-15mm long, colour yellowish brown with 2 longitudinal marks on pronotum. Wings well developed in both sexes. German Cockroaches are excellent climbers and can climb polished surfaces.