There are many different kinds of cockroach. Some of the more common types that occur in the UK include Common cockroach, German cockroach, Brown-banded cockroach, American cockroach and Australian cockroach. Cockroaches can seriously harm business reputations, particularly within the food industry.

Their characteristics. Common cockroaches can infest premises for long periods before they are discovered. They are a widespread pest in the UK. The adult cockroaches are usually around 20-25 mm long and are reddish-brown in colour.

The Brown-banded cockroach is often found in residential premises. The adult cockroaches are quite small, usually around 10-15 mm long and are a yellowish-brown colour, with dark hoops around their body.

The treatment. Infestations can be very deep-seated within buildings and need regular and thorough treatment to control them. This does vary depending on the type of cockroach