There are two species of cockroach which are common in this country namely the Oriental and the German cockroach.

Food Safety Risks

The food safety risks posed by cockroaches in food premises are very serious. They carry and spread food poisoning organisms such as Salmonella, E-coli and Typhoid. They can also be responsible for lung disorders similar to asthma.

The Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is the most common of the two and the largest. The adult grows to about 24mm long and can be shiny, dark brown to black in colour. They can climb rough surfaces such as brickwork and will congregate around water sources. 

The German Cockroach

The German cockroach is smaller 10-15mm long and yellowish brown in colour. It is able to climb vertical smooth surfaces.

Premises affected by cockroaches are those that provide food, warmth and dark conditions. Hotels, restaurants, hospitals and prisons are frequently affected. The life span of a cockroach could be up to two years and one cockroach could produce up to 300 baby cockroaches (nymphs).

Premises affected by cockroaches can cause serious risks to food safety and in some circumstances can lead to compulsory closure of affected premises by Environmental Health. 
It is important to ensure you have effective controls. Some easy basic precautions can be taken to prevent an infestation.

Food and Water

The standard of cleanliness in your premises must be kept very high. Unattended food left out in kitchens for periods of time, sources of water such as dripping taps and accumulations of food debris under and behind equipment will provide an attractive food source for cockroaches. No amount of insecticide will control cockroaches if a food source is made available for them.

Proofing

Cockroaches are nocturnal and they prefer warm dark spaces. Any cracks in walls, floors and ceilings or inaccessible void between and behind equipment must be eliminated.

Treatment

It is a legal requirement that any signs of pests in a food business are controlled.

Cockroaches are controlled by various insecticides. These are dangerous chemicals and must be applied only by a competent professional pest control operator.

If you suspect you have a problem with cockroaches a way to monitor or confirm an infestation is by using a stick trap that can be purchased from your pest control contractor.

For further advice contact us.