Cockroach infestation

How To Tell If You Have A Cockroach Infestation

Although cockroaches weren’t originally native to Ireland, they have now established themselves as a leading pest problem, especially in urban settings like Dublin.

Luckily, amongst the 4000 plus species of cockroach found worldwide, Ireland is restricted to two main species of cockroach – The German Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.

Cockroach infestations can quickly grow out of control if not treated quickly. This guide aims to help by providing information about this unpleasant creature and offers some hints and tips on how to identify a cockroach infestation.

The Problem with Cockroaches

Infestations of any type are unpleasant, but perhaps one of the most unpleasant is a cockroach infestation. Cockroaches are the stuff of nightmares. There is something quite horrific about turning a light on in the dark to hear the scuttling as these nocturnal creatures head for the shadows.

This would be bad enough on its, but cockroach infestations can also cause other problems:

·        Odour – Unpleasant musty odours in rooms, under sinks, or around crevices can be the first noticeable sign of a cockroach infestation.

·        Disease – Cockroaches are known carriers of many nasty diseases, including E-coli, salmonella, dysentery, and gastro-enteritis.

·        Fast Breeding – Cockroaches are prolific breeders. A female German Cockroach can reproduce up to 300 offspring in a 6-month lifespan.

Common Types of Cockroaches in Ireland

As touched on, the two main protagonists found in Ireland are the German cockroach and the Oriental cockroach.

●       The German Cockroach

This is the most common type of cockroach found in Ireland. These will often be found in and around kitchens or bathrooms, in cracks and crevices and around any plumbing fixtures.

They prefer warmth, so they are generally more active in heated buildings and the warmer months.

How to Identify the German Cockroach

German cockroaches have light brown or tan colouring and have two dark stripes running parallel along their backs. Adults range in size from 11mm to 16mm and have six pairs of legs.

Signs to look for in an infestation include unpleasant odours. Also, keep an eye out for droppings, these are usually dark and small with a pepper-like appearance.

The Oriental Cockroach

Less common but equally unpleasant is the Oriental cockroach. These can set up homes in any building and can be found in wall cavities, basements, and drains. They are also commonly found in areas where there is plenty of access to food.

How to Identify the Oriental Cockroach

These have darker colouring than the German cockroach, with shades ranging from dark brown to black with a shiny appearance. The males are usually smaller than the female and have a pair of wings across their back which the females lack.

Adult male cockroaches are usually about 25mm in size, while the females can be over 30mm.

Infestations can be identified by the unpleasant smell, scurrying sounds when lights are switched on, and droppings found on kitchen worktops and even inside drawers.

These are the two most commonly found in Ireland, although there are also rarer instances of the American Cockroach and brown-banded cockroaches causing infestations.

What to do if I think I have a cockroach problem?

Speed is of the essence, as already noted, cockroach infestations can spread rapidly. As well as being unpleasant critters, they are also tough and to fully eradicate an infestation will usually require treatment by a professional pest control firm.

At Complete Pest Control, we can quickly and discreetly resolve your cockroach problem. Our highly trained pest control experts in Dublin and other areas use the latest techniques and materials to ensure that your cockroach problem is eliminated, and all our services are backed by our 100% guarantee of success.