Different Types of House Cockroaches in the UK

The cockroach is a persistent pest in UK homes and businesses, spreading diseases and contaminating food. It is crucial for effective cockroach control and prevention to know what types of cockroaches are present.

Here are some of the common UK cockroach species found in homes, how pest roaches look like, habitats, and control methods.

German Cockroaches (Blatella germanica)

German cockroaches are commonly found in kitchens, restaurants, and warm, humid environments in the UK.

Identification: This type of cockroach can be identified by the oval shape of their bodies and light brown colouring. The main distinctive feature of these species is two dark, almost parallel stripes starting from the head and continuing along the thorax. The size of the adult cockroaches can vary between 1 to 1.5 cm. German cockroaches have wings but rarely used for flying.

Life cycle: Unfortunately to households and pest controllers, the German cockroaches’ reproduction cycle is faster compared to other residential kinds. It takes them approximately 60 days to develop from an egg to a fully grown adult. Nymphs, or baby cockroaches, usually have darker colouring with the same distinctive lines on their backs. 

Habitat and behaviour: As this kind doesn’t like cold weather, they choose warm and humid places that have access to food, water, and shelter. German cockroaches thrive in warm, damp locations such as kitchens, bathrooms, and boiler rooms. However, it doesn’t mean that if you live in a colder environment, you are not exposed to the infestation. Quite the opposite, these creatures have adapted to live near dwellings or any other sources of warmth. German cockroaches are nocturnal creatures, meaning that you most likely won’t see them during the daytime. However, if their population is overcrowded, they might show themselves when the sun is still up.

German cockroach control methods: Keep kitchens and food storage areas clean and dry. Seal entry points and remove potential food sources. Also, use cockroach baits and insecticide sprays.

Signs: There are three main signs that you should look for if you suspect a German cockroach infestation: droppings, oily or musty odour, and egg capsules in the places they live in. The droppings can usually be found in the spots of their relocation and entry spots, like cracks, corners of the rooms, and counters. At first sight, they might remind you of ground black pepper flakes. 

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs, are commonly found in damp environments, such as basements and drains.

Identification: Dark brown or black, with a glossy exoskeleton. Females are usually bigger than males. Their body can reach 3 cm in length, whereas males’ length varies between 1.5 – 2 cm. Females are wingless, while males are small wings on their backs. However, don’t be frightened, Oriental cockroaches cannot fly. 

Life cycle: In a lifetime, female cockroaches can produce up to 200 eggs. The mama-cockroach develops a so-called “ootheca”, which is technically a mass that has eggs inside, for several days and deposes it. As soon as the eggs hatch, the full transformation from a nymph to a fully grown adult takes from 6 to 12 months. During this period, the baby cockroaches are able to shed up to 10 times, leaving their skin all-around their trails. 

Habitat and behaviour: Oriental cockroaches like damp conditions. The wetter, the better. However, you are more likely to meet them outside. These little creatures tend to crawl under wet and cold stones, debris, wood, and other closed and cool spaces. In summer, they might change their location to pipes and sewage, as it gives them access to water. Oriental cockroaches can survive colder temperatures better than other cockroach species in the UK.

Via ventilation shafts, pipes, and cable trays, they can quickly spread to dark, secluded areas within large office buildings. There seems to be a growing need for a comprehensive approach to managing office pests such as cockroaches among corporate customers.

Oriental cockroaches control methods: Regularly clean and seal drains to prevent infestation. Reduce moisture levels in affected areas and use cockroach killer gels baits in harbourage sites.

Signs: The majority of cockroaches show similar signs of their presence. Egg capsules can be found in the spots where they reside – around the gutters or outdoor faucets. The capsules can be recognised by their reddish colour and relatively small size of up to 1 cm. Moreover, cockroaches leave a very specific, musty odour, that helps them recognise each other.

Read: How Are Cockroaches Dangerous

American Cockroach (Periplaneta Americana)

American cockroaches are more commonly found in commercial buildings and heated environments than in British homes.

Identification: The “monster” of the UK domestic cockroaches, the American cockroach is the biggest one in comparison to the rest of these six-legged intruders. Reddish-brown with a distinctive yellow border on the pronotum and can reach up to 5 cm. Both males and females have a pair of wings and these type of cockroaches can fly.

Life cycle: This cockroaches species has the longest life cycle in comparison to other cockroaches types – 700 days. Just like a regular cockroach, the females produce egg cases during their adult life. On average, one female can produce 10 egg cases. In a year, she can give life to 150 baby cockroaches. After they hatch, the baby cockroaches go through 13 sheddings before fully becoming an adult. 

Habitat and behaviour: You will not find American cockroaches in cold areas. They like to be warm. The perfect conditions for them are areas that have high humidity and temperatures of at least 29°C. American roaches prefer warm, moist environments such as boiler rooms and commercial kitchens. Omnivorous and scavenges on a wide range of organic matter. The wings on their backs allow them to fly short distances and only if the temperature in the area is high. Just as any cockroach, these types of roaches are fond of fatty and starchy foods. It has been noticed that during periods of starvation, they can feed on other weak or dead cockroaches.

Signs: A cockroach infestation in your home will begin with you seeing cockroaches themselves, because they do not hide unless they feel threatened. Another sign of their presence are cylindrical, dark brown droppings with ridged edges. Also, dark brown, capsule-shaped egg cases found in warm, humid area are certain sign of American cockroaches in your house.

American cockroaches control methods: Keep commercial and domestic environments clean and hygienic. Place cockroach traps and residual insecticides in high-risk areas and conduct regular pest inspections.

Brown-Banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)

One of the smallest pest cockroaches in the UK. Brown-banded cockroaches are less common but can sometimes be found in warm indoor areas.

Identification: Just as the name states, this kind of cockroach has a brown band-like pattern on its backs. The length of their bodies can reach 1.5 cm. Males tend to be a bit smaller than females. Males have fully developed wings, while females brown-banded cockroach have shorter wings and do not fly.

Life cycle: The life cycle of the Brown-banded cockroach begins in the egg capsules that females create during their adult life. The capsule can contain up to 18 eggs. The success and length of their development entirely depend on the temperature of the surrounding area.

Habitat and behaviour: Brown-banded cockroaches prefers warm, dry environments such as ceilings, cupboards, and behind electrical appliances. These type of cockroaches can be found anywhere where it is warm. Can infest furniture and electronic devices. Compared to the other domestic cockroaches in the UK, Brown-banded cockroaches avoid water, since are less dependent on moisture than other roach species.

Signs: Nocturnal cockroaches, they are quite active at night. However, you can also see them during the day in search of food. Roach droppings are sure sign of infestation. Check for the small, greasy substances around the counters or light fixtures. Another indicator is the eggshells laid by female brown-banded cockroaches. Usually, they try to hide their egg capsules in dark spots. Don’t expect to find it on a cabinet itself, better check behind it, as this spot is perfect for the new generation to appear.

Brown-banded cockroach control methods:  Reduce clutter and seal cracks where cockroaches can hide. Use insecticide dust and cockroach gel baits. Regularly vacuum and don’t leave food out as they need to have a constant food supply.

How to Prevent a Cockroach Infestation 

 There are several things you can do to prevent an infestation of cockroaches:

• Eliminate food and water sources. In the urban environment, cockroaches heavily rely on human waste products to survive. Empty trash bins, lack of standing water in sinks, and proper storage of food are the essentials if you want to avoid an infestation in your property.
• Clean your house. It might sound too simple, but proper hygiene prevents cockroaches from appearing. Debris, spillages or food waste, etc. can become a great sign for cockroaches that your house is a good place to live in.
• Maintain your property. When was the last time you have checked your house or apartment for cracks? Little do you know, some cockroaches can already have plans on expanding their population somewhere behind those cracks. Moreover, don’t forget to check your pipes and drains, as these creatures like damp conditions. Blocked drains should be cleared and broken pipes repaired
  

The first step in dealing with a cockroach infestation is to determine the type of cockroach. A professional pest control service can provide effective treatment options, including fumigation services for severe infestations of cockroaches.

Takeaways

• Most types of cockroaches in the UK choose areas with warm and humid conditions;
• The different species can be identified by the distinctive colouring and sizes; 
• Most common signs of infestation, except for the cockroaches themselves, are droppings, egg capsules, and shedding;
• Some of UK cockroach species can fly;