Cockroaches

The two most commonly found cockroaches in the UK are:  The German Cockroach, the Oriental cockroach.

Cockroaches are large insects which range in size from 12-30mm they have a long antennae and two 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 gastro-enteritis. 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 eight 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 the council provides

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

The treatment of cockroaches is free of charge for domestic premises.

How to contact us

If you would like further advice or need to make a pest control appointment please contact us:

First Stop Shop
Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1EU

Telephone 01922 744320
Minimcom 0845 1112910
Email contactcentre@walsall.gov.uk
Website www.walsall.gov.uk

If you need help treating a cockroach infestation or have any further questions, contact us on 01922 744320.  

For householders this is a free service. For further information please view our cockroaches factsheet (PDF 59KB)