Cockroaches in the Winter

In Pests

Cockroaches are distinguished by their long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky walk. Adult German Cockroaches are light yellowy/brown and range in size from 10 to 15mm long. The Oriental Cockroach is a dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long. Nymphs, the immature stages of development look exactly the same as the adults, only smaller. Cockroaches in the winter will be active near a source of heat as they will rarely travel outside. They will thrive around heating ducts and in boiler rooms of large centrally heated buildings. Cockroaches are often a problem in hospitals, hotel and restaurant kitchens, and blocks of flats. They will cluster around pipes, stoves, sinks, fridges and washing machines near the motors.

Do I have a problem?

In colder months cockroaches can remain active but will not thrive. They will eat anything. This can include rubbish, faecal matter and food left out or the crumbs of food. Cockroaches need a regular supply of water to survive. This means they are often found in warm and difficult to reach places. These places can include inside fridges, fridge motors constantly give off heat, cookers, boilers and washing machines.

Treating cockroaches in the winter

Bait is the usual method of treating infestations.  PestUK use a bait called Advion Cockroach Gel Bait, which contains Indoxacarb. Spraying is an effective treatment for dealing with cockroaches in winter. Sprays used include Effect Microtech CS which contains Lambdacyhalothrin. Ficam W which contains 80% Bendiocarb w/w and K-Othrine which contains Deltamethrin are other alternatives. A powder called Ficam D is another possible solution for getting rid of cockroaches. This contains an insecticide in a dust formulation @ 1% w/w Bendiocarb. All insecticides are biodegradable, almost odourless and do not corrode or stain.

Heavy infestations can sometimes come from unclean surfaces or from neighbouring properties. Therefore it may be necessary to carry out more than one spray or bait treatment for complete control in these cases. Spray or bait might need to be used every month until the infestation has been eradicated. This is often necessary in shared, communal or multi-occupancy buildings.

PESTUK

PESTUK are full members of the BPCA, the governing body for pest control in the UK. This provides peace of mind – knowing that you have a qualified, fully insured company treating your pest problem.

PESTUK have offices in Oxford, Guildford, Enfield, Shepperton, Wantage, St. Albans, Salisbury, St Albans and Enfield.

Call us on 0330 100 2811 to book an appointment regarding cockroaches in the winter or any other pest problem you may have.