Types of Cockroaches Found in the UK
Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
One of the most common cockroach species in the UK, also known as the ‘black beetle’ or ‘water bug’.
- Grows to about 20-30mm long
- Dark brown or black in color
- Females have shorter wings and can’t fly
- Males have longer wings but rarely fly
- Lives for about 6 months to 1 year
- Prefers damp, dark places like basements and drains
- Often found near pipes and in bathrooms
Life cycle: Female Oriental cockroaches carry their egg case for about a day before depositing it. Each case contains approximately 16 eggs, with a hatching period of 2 months. The nymphs undergo up to 10 moults before reaching maturity.
German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
- The most common indoor cockroach species found in UK buildings.
- Smaller than Oriental cockroaches, about 12-15mm long
- Light brown with two dark stripes behind their head
- Both males and females have wings
- Rapid reproduction rate
- Lives for about 6-9 months
- Prefers warm, humid environments
- Commonly found in kitchens and food preparation area
Life cycle: Female German cockroaches can produce up to 8 egg cases in their lifetime, each containing up to 40 eggs. The eggs hatch within 3-4 weeks, and nymphs develop into adults within several months.
Brown-banded Cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
Less common than German or Oriental cockroaches but still present in the UK.
- Small species, around 11-14mm long
- Light brown with distinctive dark brown bands across wings and abdomen
- Both males and females have wings, males fly readily
- Lives 3-6 months
- Prefers warmer, drier areas than other species
- Often found in higher locations like upper cabinets and walls
- Can survive in rooms without water sources
Life cycle: Females produce around 14 egg cases in their lifetime, each containing 13-18 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 50 days, and nymphs take 8-10 weeks to reach maturity.
American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
Less common in the UK but can be found in certain buildings.
- Largest common cockroach species, reaching 30-40mm
- Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-8 pattern on their head
- Both males and females can fly
- Lives up to 2 years
- Requires very warm environments
- Found in commercial buildings and large heating systems
- Less frequent in UK homes
Life cycle: Females produce 6-14 egg cases throughout their lifetime, with each case containing up to 16 eggs. The eggs take 6-8 weeks to hatch, and development to adulthood takes 6-12 months.
Common Cockroach Habitats
These cockroach species typically inhabit:
- Behind appliances like refrigerators and washing machines
- Under sinks and around pipes
- Basement areas
- Boiler rooms
- Food storage areas
- Wall cavities and under floorboards
- Upper walls and ceilings (particularly Brown-banded)
Cockroaches can be difficult to get rid of once established due to their hiding abilities and minimal food requirements. Professional cockroach removal is recommended when an infestation is discovered to ensure effective treatment and prevent population growth.
If you suspect a cockroach infestation in your property, it’s advisable to seek professional assistance promptly. Early intervention can prevent the establishment of larger populations and reduce the risk of associated health issues.
Contact a professional pest control service for a thorough inspection and targeted treatment plan if you notice signs of cockroach activity in your property.