
German and Oriental cockroaches are increasing 23% annually in London, thriving in warm, humid environments.
How to identify cockroaches

- Size
- German 12–15mm, Oriental 20–25mm
- Colour
- German light brown with two dark stripes; Oriental dark brown to black
- Active
- Year-round, prefer warm conditions 20-30°C
- Flattened oval body with long, sweeping antennae
- German cockroaches have two parallel stripes behind the head
- Egg cases (oothecae) are small brown capsules
- Strong, oily, musty smell in heavy infestations
Commonly confused with: Often mistaken for large beetles. Cockroaches move fast, run from light, and have far longer antennae than any UK beetle.
The cockroach lifecycle
Egg case
14–35 days30–40 eggs per case
Early nymph
1–3 weeksWingless and pale after moulting
Late nymph
6–12 weeksSix to seven moults in total
Adult
20–30 weeksFemales carry cases until hatching
Signs of cockroaches in your property
Health risks and property damage
Health risks
- Spread 33 different bacteria including E.coli
- Salmonella and Staphylococcus transmission
- Severe asthma triggers
- Allergic reactions
- Gastroenteritis
Property damage
- Food contamination
- Staining from fecal matter
- Unpleasant odors
- Reputation damage for businesses
What to do before we arrive
Do this
- Bag and remove cardboard packaging — it is a primary harbourage
- Empty and clean under and behind appliances if you can reach safely
- Keep a record of where and when you see them, especially at night
- Report the problem to your landlord or managing agent immediately
Avoid this
- Do not use aerosol sprays — they scatter the population into wall voids
- Do not throw away infested items through communal areas
- Do not treat one flat alone in a block; cockroaches move along risers
- Do not delay — populations grow exponentially once established
How we treat cockroaches
Professional gel baiting and residual spraying with integrated pest management
Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan. Our success rate on cockroaches is 92%, and we attend within Next day of your call.
Keeping cockroaches out for good
Where we find them
Cockroaches facts
Cockroach Control near you
We treat cockroaches across central London. Pick your area for local response times and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat cockroaches in London?
We aim to attend within Next day of your call anywhere in London, with a 24/7 line for urgent cases.
How much does cockroach treatment cost?
Cockroaches treatment starts from £179. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.
How do I know if I have cockroaches?
The most reliable signs are: Live insects (especially at night); Dark brown/black droppings; Sweet, musty odor; Egg cases (oothecae). If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — cockroaches rarely resolve on their own.
How do you treat cockroaches?
Professional gel baiting and residual spraying with integrated pest management Our success rate on cockroaches is 92%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Cockroaches are rated high risk. The main health concerns are spread 33 different bacteria including e.coli, salmonella and staphylococcus transmission, severe asthma triggers. They can also cause food contamination.
How can I stop cockroaches coming back?
Eliminate moisture sources; Seal cracks and crevices; Remove food debris. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.

