Cockroaches

Having problems with cockroaches?

Cockroaches are distinguished by their very long whip-like antennae, flat oval bodies and rapid, jerky walk. The adult German Cockroach is light yellow/brown and is 10 to 15mm long. The Oriental Cockroach is dark brown/black and is 20 to 24mm long. Immature stages of Cockroach, look exactly like adults, just on a smaller scale.

Expert Cockroach Control Services in the UK | Shire Pest Solutions

Expert Cockroach Control Services in the UK

Cockroaches are one of the most persistent and unsanitary pests in homes and commercial environments. At Shire Pest Solutions, we offer targeted cockroach control services designed to eliminate infestations at the source and prevent them from returning. With professional-grade insecticides and proven control methods, we’ll help protect your property from these disease-carrying insects.

Understanding the Cockroach Lifecycle

  • German Cockroach: Carries its egg case until around 30 nymphs hatch. These develop into adults within 6 to 12 weeks.
  • Oriental Cockroach: Deposits a 13mm egg capsule containing 16 to 18 nymphs, which hatch after roughly 12 weeks. Maturity is reached in 6 to 12 months.

Where Are Cockroaches Commonly Found?

  • Around heating ducts and boiler rooms in large buildings like hotels, hospitals, and flats
  • In kitchens, particularly under sinks, behind fridges, and near stoves
  • Inside cracks, crevices, and warm, humid spaces

Why Do Cockroaches Infest Properties?

Cockroaches seek warmth, moisture, and food. They thrive in unhygienic conditions and areas with easy access to water and organic debris. Once inside, they often remain hidden during the day and emerge at night to feed, making them difficult to detect early.

Are Cockroaches Dangerous?

Yes — cockroaches are known to spread dangerous diseases, including salmonella, streptococcus, staphylococcus, and even the polio virus. They contaminate food and surfaces through their droppings and regurgitation, posing a serious health risk, especially in food-handling environments.

Common Cockroach Hiding Spots

  • Cracks and crevices in walls and flooring
  • Behind and underneath fridges, cupboards, and appliances
  • Inside kitchen units, pantries, and storage areas
  • Under stacks of paper, cardboard, and clutter
  • Around grease traps and water heaters

How to Prevent and Control Cockroach Infestations

  • Keep all areas clean and free of food waste
  • Fix leaking pipes and reduce moisture build-up
  • Seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing entry points
  • Store food in airtight containers and empty bins regularly
  • Use cockroach traps and baits in problem areas
  • Consider professional pest control for severe or ongoing infestations

Our Professional Remedy

Before treatment, vacuum all floor areas and clean thoroughly. Our pest control team will apply long-lasting insecticidal sprays to affected areas, focusing on locations where cockroaches hide and breed. These treatments are designed to eliminate both adult insects and any nymphs that hatch later from egg capsules.

Do Cockroaches Carry Diseases?

Absolutely. Cockroaches are vectors for several harmful pathogens. By feeding on refuse and faecal matter, then crawling over food prep surfaces, they can transfer bacteria to humans—resulting in serious health issues if left unmanaged.


Cockroaches Control FAQ


More About Shire Pest Solutions

Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. We have built our reputation on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, specialising in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.

Our expert technicians hold full qualifications and use the latest tools and treatments to resolve pest problems quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether you face a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we design our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.

Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we stop them from returning. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction, making us the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.

Contact us today to arrange a call-out or find out more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.