Cockroaches

Although unpleasant in most people's eyes, cockroaches have existed on Earth for longer than the dinosaurs and have survived climate changes from ice ages to tropical heat. There are many worldwide species with at least three common UK species. They exist today in outdoor locations in warm countries all over the world and in houses, hospitals, kitchens, factories and offices in cold countries.

The species has survived despite millions being eaten by predators and all attempts by man to exterminate them. Despite outward loathing for cockroaches, it is important to recognize that they are one of the most successful species of insect ever to exist, and they attained this status by being exceedingly difficult to eliminate. Killing a single cockroach is easy, removing an infestation is difficult. It is really a job for a pest control expert who knows the biology and habits of cockroaches, and who has access to the most up to date insecticide formulations. There are a number of very effective pesticides available for professional use, but if eradication is to be successful the work has to be thorough and done with care.

Why Cockroaches are So Successful in Life and So Difficult to Eliminate

They will eat almost anything, even items that we would think of as hardly edible and can go for months without consuming any nourishment. Generally speaking they avoid light, so few cockroaches are seen during the day or in well-lit rooms. By insect standards, cockroaches are big and strong and can stand up for themselves in the insect world. An adult cockroach will live for about 6 months, and each female will produce about 50-100 eggs. A really important defence against man is the way it lays eggs. They are laid deep in cracks and crevices and contained in what amounts to a small armour plated capsule (the ootheca). Once laid the eggs do not hatch for 2-12 weeks. Even if the area is sprayed with pesticide and all cockroaches are killed, the eggs inside the capsule will survive until the insecticide sprays effects have worn off; once hatched they are independent and within a few months the young hatchlings will reproduce and the cockroach infestation will be back.

 

How to Control Cockroaches

A detailed survey must be carried out to find out which species are present and just how big the infestation is. Sticky traps are sometimes laid to catch specimens for identification purposes. Once the size of the infestation is known the best method of treatment can be selected. Some of the modern treatment methods are very effective. Again as the treatments are specialized you may need the services of a pest control contractor. Areas may need to be sprayed with chemicals or sometimes special gel baits are chosen dependent on environmental factors. These are professional treatments using products not available to the general public. We do not recommend that you attempt any form of control yourself as spraying with aerosols and other amateur use of products will simply    disperse the problem to previously unaffected areas.

For any treatment to be effective there are certain actions you the householder needs to take before and after any treatment provided, all responsible pest control companies will advise you what you must do.

Cockroach Treatments

1/ Our service is to attend and inspect your home for cockroaches and to treat affected rooms if it is safe to do so. Please note that this may not result in eradication of the insects. You do not normally need to leave the property during the treatment as we will be applying specialised gel products and return after three and six weeks to re-apply the gel and check on the treatment progress.  

2/ Our fee depends on the number of rooms affected. If more rooms are affected than are paid for, you can either pay for the additional rooms or cancel the treatment, in which case you will be charged a nominal for the call out.

3/ If the infestation is severe we may need to use a spray treatment on our second visit, in which case you will need to vacate the property for 2 hours. Our technician will advise you if this is necessary.   

4/ We are only permitted to apply insecticides if the pest is confirmed as present, and in rare cases where there are no obvious signs we may lay monitor traps and return to check these to confirm if an infestation is present. The fee for this work is the same as for treatment. If an infestation is confirmed, you will need to make a further payment for the actual treatment.  

5/ We appreciate how unpleasant a cockroach problem is and that now that you have contacted us, you will be anxious to have your home treated as soon as possible. However, before you book an appointment, please ensure you allowed time to prepare your property and avoid the disappointment and distress caused if our technician is forced to decline to treat due to inadequate preparation, and instead limit the visit to an inspection and survey.

6/ Thankfully when all required preparation work is followed, cockroach treatments have a high success rate and re-treatments are rarely required unless you have a heavy infestation that has been present for a considerable time.  

7/ You will need to follow these pre and post treatment instructions: a. All food must be placed in sealed containers to remove alternative food sources. b. All affected areas must be cleaned and free from clutter. c. In kitchens all work surfaces must be cleaned and kept clear during the treatment. d. Floors and skirting boards must be cleaned to remove any grease or trapped food especially around and behind cookers and fridges. e. Waste bins must have securely fitting lids and be regularly emptied.  

8/ FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY, you must not move or touch any gel baits or monitor traps.

9/ If you need to arrange assistance from family, friends or social services to help you prepare your property, please ensure this is in place before making a booking.  

10/ For our treatments to work, our equipment and monitor stations must be left undisturbed. Large reductions in cockroach numbers are usually noted with a week or so but due to the pest lifecycle it can take up to six weeks for full eradication.   

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Cockroaches