Are There Cockroaches in the UK?

When it comes to households the most common type of pests you find in the unwanted visitors list is cockroaches. But the question here is are there cockroaches in the UK? The answer is yes but the situation is more typical than you might think. So, let’s find out do cockroaches live in the UK. 

Types of Cockroaches in The UK

There are many species of cockroaches that you can find in the UK, but the four most common types are German, Oriental, American and Brown-Banded Cockroaches. 

German Cockroach

The most common species that can be found in the UK is the German Cockroach. These cockroaches are small in size and have a light brown color. They are highly adaptable and can also thrive in warm and humid environments. Most of the time they are found in the kitchens and bathrooms where they can easily access food and water.

German cockroaches are small in size and can grow up to 1.5cm in length. You can easily identify these cockroaches by their light tan color and two distinctive dark stripes that are running along their backs. These pests have a rapid reproduction cycle that takes about 60 days to develop from an egg to an adult which makes them particularly challenging to control.

Oriental Cockroach

The oriental cockroach also known as the waterbug and black beetle is another common species of cockroach found in the UK. Oriental cockroaches are top of the list of cockroaches in England. These cockroaches are larger in size as compared to German cockroaches with females reaching up to 3 cm and males between 1.5 to 2 cm. They have dark brown to nearly black color with a shiny appearance. 

Oriental cockroaches prefer dark, damp environments which makes them frequent inhabitants of basements drains and other moist areas. They are less adept at climbing smooth surfaces as compared to other cockroach species as they lack specialized pads on their feet. These cockroaches have a slower development cycle which can take around 6 to 12 months to mature from nymphs to adults. They can easily survive a month without food but need water regularly. They can feed on garbage and decomposing organic matter. 

American Cockroach

The American cockroach is not that much popular in the UK but you can still find them in warmer and southern regions. They are the largest of the common species and can grow up to 5 cm in length. American cockroaches have a reddish-brown color and are equipped with wings. These cockroaches have a long lifecycle which lives up to 700 days. They can easily thrive in warm and humid environments and they are mostly found in the basements and foundations. American cockroaches prefer starchy and fatty foods but they can also resort to cannibalism when food is limited. 

Brown-Banded Cockroach

The Brown-banded cockroach is also less common in the UK due to its preference for very warm environments. This cockroach is characterized by its small size which is about 1.5 cm long with a distinctive brown band across its body. The most common question asked about this species is “can you get cockroaches in the UK?”. The answer is yes as they can easily live in warm areas of your house, and hide in cracks and crevices such as behind the skirting boards or inside cabinets. They are exclusively domestic and are rarely found outdoors. 

What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

One question you really want to ask is how to kill cockroaches. But before asking this question you have to know how to identify cockroaches. Here are some common signs that show cockroaches have infested your home:

1. Droppings: Cockroach droppings droppings most of the time resemble small black specks that are similar to coffee grounds or black pepper. Larger cockroaches may leave behind dark and cylindrical droppings. 
2. Unpleasant Odor: When there is established cockroach infestation they typically produce a lingering and musty smell. This odor is a result of the pheromones they release. 
3. Egg Casings: Cockroaches can also lay eggs in protective casings called oothecae. Finding these brown and oval-shaped casings is a clear sign of an infestation.
4. Live or Dead Cockroaches: When you see live cockroaches especially during the day it shows a sign of a large infestation. Even you can’t ignore cockroaches that are dead.
5. Shed Skins: When cockroaches grow they shed their skins multiple times. These shed skins can often be found in areas where cockroaches are mostly active.
6. Property Damage: Cockroaches can also cause damage to property by chewing materials such as paper, fabric and plastic. 
7. Smear Marks: Cockroaches can also leave behind smear marks which are mostly found on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions. 

Cockroach Pest Control

If you are dealing with a cockroach problem there are many effective ways for cockroach pest control. By implementing these methods you will be soon asking “why are there no cockroaches in the UK”.  Here are common strategies:

1. Gel Baits and Bait Stations: These exploit the natural foraging behavior of cockroaches and are highly effective for controlling populations.
2. Insecticide Sprays and Dusts: These target cockroaches at all life stages and are mostly used by professional pest control services. 
3. Heat Treatments: Heat treatment is a chemical-free method that involves raising the temperature of a room or enclosed area to eliminate cockroach populations. 
4. Traps and Monitoring: Sticky traps can be used to monitor and control small infestations.
5. Physical Barriers and Exclusion Techniques: These are used to seal cracks and gaps in walls, floors and around pipework which is important to prevent cockroaches from entering buildings.
6. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): This approach combines multiple strategies which include sanitation, exclusion and the use of bait and traps.

Do you get cockroaches in the UK and want to get rid of their infestations then consider these prevention strategies:

1. Sanitation and Hygiene: Always maintain high standards of cleanliness and proper food storage and waste management. 
2. Regular Maintenance: Do daily inspections and maintain buildings to make sure there are no entry points for cockroaches.
3. Natural Remedies: You can also use some natural methods such as bay leaves, boric acid, essential oils and diatomaceous earth which can be effective in controlling cockroach populations.  

Are cockroaches in the UK only? 

You can find cockroaches in the UK but there aren’t as many as in warmer countries. They mostly live indoors because it is too cold outside. Even though there are fewer cockroaches they can still make people sick, damage property and cause allergies. So, it is important for you to get rid of cockroaches to keep your home safe and healthy. 

FAQs

Are roaches common in the UK? 

Cockroaches are not as common in the UK as they are in warmer countries. You normally find them in cities and indoors.

Why have I never seen a cockroach in the UK? 

They are nocturnal and excellent at hiding. If your home is clean and there is no easy access to food or water, you will be less likely to see them.

Where to find cockroaches in the UK? 

In the UK, cockroaches are mostly found in damp places with food and water. These include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and commercial buildings like restaurants and hotels.

Why shouldn’t you squish a cockroach? 

Squishing a cockroach can spread bacteria and allergens. It can also release eggs if the cockroach is pregnant, which only makes the problem worse.