Cockroaches are not only a nuisance—Cockroaches are survival experts.
In urban areas like London, cockroaches do not simply survive, they thrive!
At PestPatrol, we have treated a myriad of cockroach infestations in London homes and we can first hand explain how urban dwelling allows these creepy crawlies an upper hand.

The Urban Environment: A Cockroach’s Paradise

London homes provide cockroaches with readily available warmth, food, moisture, and a plethora of hiding places.
Urban flats, terraced houses and older buildings create the ideal habitat for these pests to settle and breed rapidly.

Interconnected Walls and Spaces

In flats and terraced homes, the plumbing system is usually interconnected, sharing walls will create corridors for cockroaches to move between properties, and narrow voids still move about, even if you are keeping your own space spotless, you could easily find your self with your neighbour’s cockroaches in YOUR home (if they have any!)

Confined Spaces = Congested Opportunities

As Londoners tend to live in close quarters, cockroaches don’t have to travel very far to find food or moisture—kitchens and bathrooms in flats and terraced houses usually are connected and easily accessible.

Food waste in rubbish bins, along with pet bowls and moisture within the property are sufficient to provide food and moisture for an entire cockroach colony.

Structural and Environmental Triggers

Aging Homes

Many older London homes provide cockroaches their own amenities;
old fixtures combined with old seals in the kitchen/bathroom provide tiny openings.

Old pipe work, floorboards and gaps around skirting are also common hiding areas.

Central Heating and Insulation

Heat is essential for cockroach survival.
Given the climate in Britain, heated apartments and modern homes built with plenty of insulation provide cockroaches with a stable environment to breed year-round.
If they can find a warm corner, it is highly unlikely they will choose to leave.

Human Behaviour that Makes it Easy

Even the best-intentioned homeowner will inadvertently create a cockroach paradise with one or more of the following practices:

• Improper Rubbish Storage: Overfull bins, uncovered compost caddies, and recycling rubbish bags being kept inside are all invitations.
• Night-time Snacks or Leftovers: Crumbs and spillage that are small and insignificant to you are a feast of food for cockroaches.
• Excess Moisture: Many kitchens and bathrooms often have humidity. Leak under the sink, wet cleaning cloths, and overused mops provide enough water to sustain a cockroach colony.

Cockroaches are not fussy!

It is a common misconception that cockroaches will only reside in ”dirty” homes. However, they are not picky.

At PestPatrol we have encountered ‘spotless’ flats which had serious infestations, every time in apartment blocks, high end homes, and even in new builds.

It is less about hygiene, but rather opportunity;
as long as there is warmth, water and a crumb or two, cockroaches will want to settle in.

How to Reduce your Risk Living in the City

Living in London does not mean you are resigned to a battle with cockroaches; however, it does mean you need to be proactive:

• Seal up any gaps: Make sure you fill the space between pipes and wall, and plug up electrical sockets with sealant or foam as appropriate.
• Tidy food storage: Always store food in sealed containers. This is particularly important for dry goods such as flour, cereal and pet food.
• Clean smart (not hard): Don’t just clean the surface of kitchens, and bathrooms; make sure you get behind and underneath appliances, and wipe down inside cupboard corners and skirting boards.
• Fix leaks as soon as possible: If you have a dripping tap, or leak under the sink; while it may not bother you at all; it provides a lifeline to the cockroaches.

What to do when DIY has failed

Despite your best efforts, in a densely populated (and connected) city such as London; a little black cockroach can quickly take hold.

If you notice one or more of the following signs you need to call in PestPatrol:

• Regular sightings of cockroaches, especially during the daytime
• Small black droppings of the cockroaches or smear marks, along walls or appliances
• Pungent musty odours that do not go away even after cleaning.

Let PestPatrol Handle It

We offer the most appropriate pest control solutions for the specific details of your cockroach infestation problem; because we understand that the cockroach infestation problem for London apartments/properties, require a much more bespoke approach.

PestPatrol does not offer a one size fits all.
Every case is treated by us based on where the flame is, the infestation severity and underlying reason.

If cockroaches have decided to make a home in your flat, house or shared warden building; do not hesitate to contact PestPatrol today; for affordable and trusted local cockroach pest control London, that works.

Visit our Cockroach Pest Control page to find out how we can help if you need assistance to deal with your cockroach infestation problem.