Cockroaches are one of the most common pests in Smethwick homes and businesses. They favour conditions similar to those that humans create, which is why effective cockroach control and cockroach management by professional pest control in Smethwick is so important. Cockroaches can contaminate food, utensils and preparation areas with droppings, cast skins, egg sacs, regurgitation marks and foul odours.

German cockroaches in particular can be a major problem in commercial kitchens, restaurants, pubs, cafes and in our homes as they are prolific breeders and can live in refrigerators and in ovens as well as the smallest cracks and crevices. They are a relatively small cockroach, ranging from nymphs (young insects) the size of a pinhead to adults up to 15–25 mm long.

Cockroaches typically are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day means they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.

Cockroaches have been implicated in the spread of over 30 diseases such as Salmonella, which is a major cause of food poisoning.

How to Tell If You Have a Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are extremely hardy creatures and adapt well in residential or commercial properties:

• Faecal residue
• Foul odour especially in dark and damp areas
• Body parts usually limbs
• Carcasses
• Egg cases

They are often found in dark, warm places with good humidity which includes:

• Kitchen sinks
• Cracks and Crevices
• Toilets, showers and hot water systems
• Subflooring and roof voids
• Wall Cavities

Control of Cockroaches

We take a systematic, integrated approach to cockroach control, starting with a thorough survey of your premises which helps us determine any potential harbourages (shelter) and assess the level of the infestation. Monitor traps are used to find cockroach hotspots and level of activity.

We will then decide on the appropriate control treatment which mostly will rely on the use of bait treatments, such as gel or powders.

Residual spray formulations are less used following the introduction of baits. They can still be useful to apply to areas on the periphery of infestations so that emigrating individuals may be controlled.

We may also use dust formulations if the infestation includes generally inaccessible areas, such as ducting systems and dead spaces.