Why Would a Restaurant Have Cockroaches?

In Pests

Why Would a Restaurant Have Cockroaches?

Nothing can ruin your appetite quicker than spotting a cockroach on the floor of a restaurant or takeaway that you have just walked into.  To see them on a night out with friends or loved ones is bad news for yourself, the manager and the owner of the restaurant or takeaway. But why would a restaurant have cockroaches?

What are cockroaches

Cockroaches are insects of the order Blattodea, which also includes termites. There are about 30 cockroach species out of 4,600 that are associated with human habitats. Four species are well known as pests. Cockroaches are an ancient group, dating back to at least as far as some 320 million years ago. They are distinguished by their long antennae, flat oval bodies and a rapid, jerky walk.

There are 2 species mainly found in the UK. Adult German Cockroaches are a light yellowy/brown and are 10 to 15mm long. The Oriental Cockroach is dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long. The immature stages of Cockroaches, look exactly like the adults, but on a smaller scale.

Reasons for cockroaches

Cockroaches feed on almost anything. this includes refuse, faecal matter and food for human consumption. They require access to water and will be generally found in inaccessible areas as their harbourage points. Close to water and food. When they forage for food and water they can contaminate food, utensils, and preparation surfaces as they move. They will taint food with a horrible smell and can be cause of disease, capable of carrying organisms that cause food poisoning in humans and also other bacteria that is harmful.

If a restaurant has not cleaned their kitchens properly, have left dirty utensils and plates out then these are attractants for the cockroaches to infest the area and find harbourage points. Bins should be covered and in a clean state and emptied regularly. Food should not be allowed to collect under or on top of refrigerators , which are warm areas suited to a cockroach.

Gaps around doors and windows should be sealed and any utility lines should have no gaps around them either. Leaking taps should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent a water source being available to cockroaches.

If these steps are not taken then a restaurant or take away can be shut by the EHO, costing the business time, money and their reputation with customers and suppliers.

PESTUK

PESTUK are full members of the BPCA, the governing body for pest control in the UK. Using a BPCA member company ensures you have a qualified, fully insured company treating your pest problem.

PESTUK have offices in Balham, Oxford, Guildford, Enfield, Potters Bar, Reading,  Shepperton, Wantage,  Salisbury, St Albans, Stevenage and Ware.

Call us on 0330 100 2811 to book an appointment regarding why would a restaurant have cockroaches? Or any other pest problem you may have.