London’s environment is ideal for cockroaches. Older buildings, shared drainage systems, underground pipework, and constant access to food waste allow infestations to spread easily between neighbouring properties.

Common reasons cockroaches appear include:

• Warm indoor temperatures year-round

• Moisture from leaking pipes or poor ventilation

• Food crumbs, grease, and waste

• Cracks, gaps, and shared walls in blocks of flats

Once inside, cockroaches hide in kitchens, bathrooms, behind appliances, and inside wall voids, making them difficult to eliminate without professional help.

Types of Cockroaches Found in London

German Cockroaches

The most common indoor cockroach in London. Small, fast-breeding, and typically found in kitchens and bathrooms.

Oriental Cockroaches

Often linked to drains and basements. Larger and darker, commonly found in older buildings.

Both species pose serious hygiene risks and require specialist cockroach pest control treatments.

Health Risks Associated with Cockroaches

Cockroaches are known carriers of harmful bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli. They contaminate surfaces and food simply by crawling across them.

Health risks include:

• Food poisoning

• Asthma and allergy triggers

• Skin rashes

• Unpleasant odours

For businesses, especially in food and hospitality, a cockroach infestation can lead to failed inspections, fines, and reputational damage.

Signs of a Cockroach Infestation

Early detection is crucial. Common warning signs include:

• Seeing cockroaches at night when lights are switched on

• Small black droppings near cupboards or appliances

• Egg cases (oothecae) in hidden areas

• Musty or oily smells

• Smear marks along walls or floors

If you notice any of these, it’s important to act quickly before the infestation spreads.

Few things are more alarming than spotting a cockroach crawling across your kitchen floor or scuttling behind the fridge. Known for being one of the world’s most resilient pests, cockroaches in London are becoming increasingly common due to the city’s dense housing, restaurants, and warm indoor environments.

If you’ve just seen one, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Where there’s one, there are usually many more hiding nearby. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do if you see cockroaches in your kitchen, how to prevent infestations, and when to call the experts at Panther Pest Control London.

Why Are Cockroaches a Serious Problem?

Unlike some pests that are just a nuisance, cockroaches are a genuine health hazard. They carry bacteria and pathogens that can cause:

• Food contamination leading to food poisoning.

• Allergies and asthma from their droppings and shed skin.

• Unpleasant odours caused by cockroach secretions.

• Rapid infestations – a single female can produce hundreds of offspring.

Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal, so if you’ve seen one during the day, it could be a sign of a severe infestation.

Step 1 – Stay Calm but Act Fast

If you’ve spotted a cockroach in your kitchen:

• Do not squash it on food surfaces – this can spread germs.

• Try to identify it – common species in the UK include the German Cockroach and the Oriental Cockroach.

• Check nearby areas – look behind appliances, under the sink, and in dark corners for more activity.

Step 2 – Clean Thoroughly

Cockroaches thrive where there is food, water, and shelter. Reduce their chances of survival by:

• Wiping down kitchen surfaces after every meal.

• Storing food in sealed containers.

• Washing dishes immediately – don’t leave dirty plates overnight.

• Emptying rubbish bins regularly and using lids.

• Sweeping and vacuuming crumbs from floors and skirting boards.

Step 3 – Block Their Entry Points

Cockroaches are expert invaders, squeezing through even the tiniest cracks. To stop them entering:

• Seal gaps around pipes, drains, and skirting boards.

• Fit door sweeps on kitchen doors.

• Check windows and vents for cracks or gaps.

• Store cardboard and paper properly – roaches love to hide in clutter.

Step 4 – Avoid DIY Cockroach Sprays

Many people rush to buy supermarket sprays when they see cockroaches. While these might kill one or two on sight, they rarely deal with the hidden infestation. Cockroaches are highly resilient and can survive common household chemicals.

Worse, DIY treatments may drive them deeper into walls and harder-to-reach places, making the infestation spread further. For long-term success, professional pest control in London is the most reliable solution.

Step 5 – Look for Signs of a Bigger Infestation

Even if you only saw one cockroach, you should still check for signs of more:

• Droppings – tiny black specs, similar to coffee grounds.

• Egg cases (oothecae) – brown capsules often found in cupboards or behind appliances.

• Shed skins – cockroaches shed multiple times as they grow.

• Musty smell – strong, unpleasant odour in infested areas.