Cockroaches in Brent Kitchens and Blocks
Two species account for nearly every cockroach problem in London, and they behave differently enough that it is worth knowing which you have.
German cockroaches
Small — around 1.5cm — light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. They live indoors in warm places: behind fridges and cookers, inside dishwashers and microwaves, in boiler cupboards. They breed fast and are the usual species in blocks of flats and commercial kitchens.
Oriental cockroaches
Larger, up to 2.5cm, very dark and shiny. They prefer cooler, damp places — drains, basements, ground-floor kitchens and under sinks — and are slower and less able to climb smooth surfaces.
Signs of cockroaches
- Insects scattering when a light is switched on at night
- Small dark droppings like ground pepper or coffee grounds
- Brown egg cases in corners and behind appliances
- An oily, musty smell in heavier infestations
Why one flat is rarely the whole story
In a block, cockroaches move through the risers and ducting that carry pipes between floors. A flat that is treated while the one below is not can be re-colonised. Residents should report sightings to the managing agent, and food businesses need to take any sighting seriously given their obligations.
