Cockroaches- Unlikely February Pests
February has been a strange month weather wise; we have had rain, snow and sunshine. Cockroaches are not necessarily the typical pest that you would associate with being a problem in winter, however, once in your home they can multiply rapidly and cause you some serious problems!
Our homes are a great location to settle in, there is food in abundance and warmth too! Plus, a room dedicated to water (bathroom). The three key things cockroaches need to survive. You are highly unlikely to actually see cockroaches scuttling across the floor as they much prefer darkness, and will remain hidden away all of the time. Plus they are super speedy!!
What do they look like?
In the UK you will usually have to deal with German cockroaches or Oriental cockroaches. Cockroaches are known for their very long antennae and flat bodies. German cockroaches are brown in colour whereas the larger Oriental cockroach can be black or brown. They are able to squeeze through the smallest of gaps too so no area in your home is out of bounds.
Signs to look for;
-if you have an established infestation then there will be strong apparent odour
-damage to food packages
-spoilt foods
-shed skins
-droppings
-eggs/egg cases
German cockroaches are likely to be hiding in rooms that are warm and humid. The bathroom and the airing cupboard are good places. Also, the fans in fridges and freezers are also a favourite. Oriental cockroaches tend to enjoy cooler and damper environments like drains.
Wherever they choose to locate themselves in your home, they must be near a water source as they can only survive a few days without water. Food however, they can go without for months. When they do eat, they are not fussy. They will pretty much eat anything and everything, even each other.
It is really important to deal with a cockroach problem as soon as you find out you have one. For home or businesses, cockroaches pose a huge risk to human health due to the bacteria they carry. Due to the unsanitary locations they frequent, like drains and sewerage pipes, they will contaminate anything they come into contact with.
Remember, cockroach infestations can rapidly get out of hand, so if you notice any signs that you may have a problem, it is best to call in the professionals to help deal with the problem.
