Quick facts
- UK species
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica) and oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- German roach
- About 12 to 15 mm, light brown with two dark stripes behind the head
- Oriental roach
- About 20 to 27 mm, glossy dark brown to black, slower moving
- Egg cases
- German females carry the egg case until just before it hatches
- Active
- Mostly at night; seeing one in daylight often means a large infestation
How to identify cockroaches
German cockroaches are small and fast and are the typical cause of persistent kitchen infestations. They prefer warm places near food and water such as behind cookers, fridges, dishwashers and under sinks. Oriental cockroaches are larger and darker, and they favour cooler, damp areas such as basements, drains, cellars and ground-floor bin stores.
Both species are mainly nocturnal and avoid light. A single sighting by day is a warning: it often means cockroaches have run out of space in their hiding places. Many species also drop around the home in small brown smear marks and a faint musty odour.
Signs of cockroaches in your home
- Live cockroaches, especially after dark when you switch on the light
- Small, dark droppings like ground pepper or coffee grounds, or smears in corners
- Egg cases (oothecae), which look like tiny brown beans
- Shed skins and a musty smell in cupboards or behind appliances
- Damaged food packaging and grease marks near cooking areas
Risks and damage
Cockroaches carry bacteria on their bodies and legs and can contaminate food, utensils and worktops. Their shed skins and droppings are a recognised trigger for asthma and allergies, particularly in children. In food businesses an infestation is a serious hygiene failure and can lead to enforcement action.
Why cockroaches come into properties
Food crumbs, grease, moisture and warmth. They arrive in shopping bags, boxes, second-hand appliances, takeaway packaging, and through shared walls and pipe runs in flats. A cockroach problem often spreads between neighbouring properties, so building-wide treatment is sometimes needed.
How to prevent cockroaches
- Clean up crumbs, grease and spills promptly and wipe kitchen surfaces before bed
- Fix leaking taps and pipes and avoid standing water
- Store food in sealed containers and empty bins daily
- Check boxes, bags and second-hand appliances before bringing them in
- Seal cracks and gaps around pipes, skirting boards and cupboards
- Do not rely on repeated spray-and-wipe: it spreads cockroaches and rarely gets the nest
Professional cockroach control by Southwark Pests
Professional treatment starts with identifying the species and finding where they live. The most common approach combines gel baits placed in cracks and crevices where roaches feed, residual treatments in key areas and sometimes insect growth regulators that stop young developing into breeding adults. Bait works because roaches carry it back to the harbourage, which also affects others they come into contact with.
Treatment normally needs two or three visits, because eggs continue to hatch. In shared buildings, treating only one flat often fails, so a coordinated approach with neighbours or the managing agent helps.
When to call a professional
Call a professional as soon as you see cockroaches, particularly in kitchens, restaurants or shared buildings. In rented property, report it in writing to the landlord or managing agent. Food businesses should act immediately.
Cockroach control across Southwark and London
Cockroaches are common in purpose-built blocks, restaurants and takeaways, where warm service ducts link one kitchen to the next. We treat homes, whole blocks and food premises across South London. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Cockroach control: questions and answers
Why do I see cockroaches even though my home is clean?
Cleanliness matters, but cockroaches can arrive through shared walls, pipes or second-hand goods, and thrive wherever there is warmth and moisture. A clean home still needs treatment if they are established.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
They are not aggressive, but they can contaminate food and surfaces and aggravate asthma and allergies. They are a significant hygiene risk in kitchens.
Can I get rid of cockroaches with off-the-shelf sprays?
Sprays may kill the ones you see but tend to scatter the rest. Professional baits and treatments target the nest and the cycle of eggs.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually two or three visits spaced a few weeks apart, to deal with newly hatched nymphs. Your technician will tell you what to expect after inspecting.
Do cockroaches come in from drains?
Oriental cockroaches commonly use drains and damp, cool areas. German cockroaches live indoors in warm kitchens and bathrooms.
Should I tell my neighbours?
Yes, especially in flats or terraces. If neighbours have the same problem, treating only your own home may not resolve it.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.