Cockroaches are insects which are between 10 - 23 mm in length, they have long antennae and two pairs of wings. The most commonly found species in the United Kingdom are:

• The German Cockroach
• The Oriental Cockroach
  

The Oriental Cockroach is larger and darker brown in colour and unlike the German variety is unable to climb smooth vertical surfaces.

Cockroaches can be found in premises where food is stored or handled. They are nocturnal insects and will spend most of the day hiding in cracks and around drains and service ducting. Infestations may be introduced into premises via food deliveries.

Cockroaches carry food poisoning germs and are responsible for the spread of dysentery and gastroenteritis. They will feed on almost anything including faeces and food for human consumption. Contamination will occur when the insect comes into contact with food or work surfaces or through faecal contamination of foodstuffs.

Control

You can help prevent potential infestations by ensuring that your premises are clean and that there is no food source and hiding places for cockroaches.  Should you require a treatment, Pest Control Officers will initially use sticky pads positioned in appropriate places to determine the scale of the infestation.  They will then treat your premises with an insecticidal spray.  The treated areas should be left undisturbed for as long as possible. It may be necessary for them to re-treat your premises to kill any new nymphs as they emerge from their eggs. Successful treatments may take several visits.

What do the Council treat for, how do I book and is there a charge?

See the Pests home page.

Contact Details

South Derbyshire District Council
Environmental Services
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

Telephone: 01283 595795
e-mail: environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk
Fax: 01283 595855