Where Do Cockroaches Come From And How Can You Get Rid Of Them?

Where Do Cockroaches Come From And How Can You Get Rid Of Them?

Cockroaches are one of the largest and most terrifying insect pests found in the UK. While there are over 4500 different cockroach species in the world, only a handful live in the UK, with most preferring tropical climates.

Still, cockroaches are a common indoor pest in the UK, particularly in commercial kitchens and older homes, and they can be very scary when seen.

As a leading provider of heat treatment for cockroach control to homes and businesses throughout Swindon and the surrounding area, Mission Pest Control understands how scary these bugs can be.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to where cockroaches come from, how they enter your space and what you can do to eradicate them.

Where Do Cockroaches Come From?

In the UK, the main species of cockroaches found are German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches. Brown-banded cockroaches and American cockroaches are rarer, but are sometimes spotted in the UK.

The most common indoor roaches, German cockroaches hide in humid environments, and like tight, dark spaces, such as behind buildings or near outdoor taps. German cockroaches are often found inside, as they search for heat, and will often seek out moist, warm areas such as airing cupboards, near sinks and bathrooms.

Oriental cockroaches are hardier than their German counterparts, and able to survive in damp outdoor areas, such as compost heaps and damp soil. When they come inside, they also like humid areas where there is easy access to food.

How Do Cockroaches Get Inside Your Property?

Cockroaches are incredibly agile, and despite being a larger insect pest they can crawl through tiny gaps in your build’s exterior to make their way inside. They can also get in through open doors or windows.

In some cases, cockroaches can hide in infested items that you bring into your home, such as packages or secondhand furniture.

Once inside, they breed rapidly, with female cockroaches laying between 14-30 eggs at a time. These eggs hatch within a month, so what starts as a few cockroaches can quickly turn into a a major cockroach infestation.

What Attracts Cockroaches?

Like most pests, cockroaches are always looking for food sources and shelter. In the case of cockroaches, they are seeking warm, damp environments, such as behind bathroom or kitchen sinks, bathrooms with leaky water pipes or damp cardboard boxes.

So, if cockroaches can find an easy entry point, such as cracks and crevices in your property’s exterior, they will make their way inside in search of somewhere damp to shelter. They will also look for food, so any food debris or dirty dishes lying around could attract them.

As such, while it is difficult to prevent cockroaches, simple steps live storing food in airtight containers, not leaving food or dirty dishes lying around and keeping your living spaces clean can be a simple way to reduce the likelihood of a cockroach infestation.

Once inside, cockroaches use pheromones to attract other cockroaches, so just a single roach could lead to an infestation.

How To Get Rid Of Cockroaches For Good

The most effective solution for cockroaches is heat treatment. While cockroaches thrive in tropical climates, at between 50°C to 60°C (122°F to 140°F) they will be completely eradicated.

Alongside cockroaches, we can also use heat treatment to get rid of fleas, bed bugs, moths, carpet beetles, and more. Where required, we can also use insecticides that cannot be purchased by the general public.

DIY cockroach treatments can be ineffective, leaving you with an ongoing cockroach infestation that could be irritating and cause serious stress.

For homeowners and business leaders across Swindon and the surrounding area, Mission Pest Control is here to help eradicate cockroaches and other insects, ensuring cleanliness and safety.

If you’re ready to get started, contact us on 01793 379333 or by emailing hello@missionpestcontrol.co.uk.