There are numerous cockroach breeds in the UK, and although all of them share the same fundamental characteristics, they vary slightly in appearance and habits.
In this blog, we will outline precisely what these differences are and arm you with the knowledge to identify exactly what kind of roach you are dealing with should you ever come across one!
If you are facing a cockroach in your commercial or domestic property, give us a call now on 0131 322 1291.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are relatively large insects which have spread throughout almost every region on the planet. They are talented survivors, prolific breeders, and are ideally suited for making their home in human habitations.
The appearance of these insects is highly dependent on whether you are looking at a male or a female:
Male: The males of the species tend to be around 25mm at their longest and a colour between shiny black and a deep reddish-brown. They have wings that stretch to cover about ¾ of their body. This means that the final few abdominal sections are exposed.
Female: Females of the species are quite a bit larger, measuring in around a maximum of 32mm. They do not have any wings, although they do have large wing pads which will cover the first several segments on their body. Again, they boast the same shiny black to reddish-brown colour.
Oriental cockroaches feed on rotting organic materials which mean they tend to thrive in bins and piles of leaves/plant matter. They also appreciate damp and out-of-the-way environments, settling in drainage systems and cold cellars and basements.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are incredibly robust and talented survivors. Their hardy nature means that they can survive long and brutal journeys, allowing them to spread to every corner of the planet. This ability to survive means they can also adapt to almost any environment they end up in.
Males and females within this species do not look wildly different. They vary in colour from a light golden brown to tan and even nearly black. Females are typically slightly larger, but the species as a whole ranges from 1.1 to 1.6cm.
The German roach cannot fly, although both males and females have wings. If threatened and at a relatively high height, they may glide in order to find safety.
This type of roach prefers a warm and humid location. Ideally, there will be a source of moisture and food nearby. As a result, bathrooms and commercial/residential kitchens are their ideal homes and where you will often find them.
American Cockroaches
American cockroaches are the largest of the common cockroach species. That is to say, roaches that are located across the world rather than in a specific niche. Despite their name, they are indigenous to Africa and the Middle-East and only spread to America in the 17th century.
This type of roach is huge, measuring in at an average length of around 4cm. They are reddish-brown and have yellow detailing behind their heads. They can live for as long as 700 days, and although the young of the species look almost identical to the adults, they are flightless.
These insects are susceptible to light and attempt to avoid it at all costs. As a result, they tend to settle in areas that are low in human activity. You will often find them in basements or in industrial buildings like warehouses and factories. Occasionally, you will come across one in a domestic bathroom or kitchen.
Dependable Local Service
Dealing with cockroaches is no easy task to deal with without professional help. This is not only because they are robust and hardy survivors, but their habits tend to allow their populations to bounce back in a relatively short space of time.
Cockroaches tend to live in inaccessible areas such as crawlspaces and drainage systems. This means it is difficult to access their shelter and deal with them directly. As a result, no matter how many roaches you may deal with in your home, breeding pairs may survive and replenish the numbers.
However, one habit is their downfall; they consume their own dead. As a result, we can use a slow-acting residual insecticide to deal with them. The roaches will return to their various hideouts before dying, and the other roaches there will also then die in secondary poisoning events after consuming the corpses.
Get in Touch
With locally-based technicians based in and around Edinburgh, you can rely on us for quick and effective results. Give us a call now on 0131 322 1291 or complete our contact form and one of our personnel will be in touch.
