Cockroach Control London
- Same-day and next-day visits
- BPCA certified technicians
- Free revisit within 60 days
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Finding a cockroach in your kitchen is one of the most unsettling pest experiences - and one of the most misunderstood. Cockroaches aren’t a sign of an untidy home; London’s dense housing, shared drains, and older Victorian and Edwardian building stock give them easy routes between properties regardless of how clean any individual flat or house is.
The two species most commonly seen in London homes are the German cockroach (smaller, light brown, breeds fastest, usually found in kitchens near warmth and moisture) and the Oriental cockroach (darker, often linked to drains and damp basement areas). Correct identification matters, because treatment differs between the two.
Signs of a cockroach infestation
- Live cockroaches seen at night (they’re nocturnal - spotting them during the day often means the infestation is well established)
- Small, dark, pepper-like droppings along cupboard edges, behind appliances, or under sinks
- A persistent musty, oily odour in a heavily infested kitchen
- Small brown egg cases (oothecae) in hidden, undisturbed spots like the backs of drawers or behind appliances
- Smear marks along regular travel routes near pipework or skirting boards
Why DIY treatments often fail
Shop-bought sprays and “bug bombs” are one of the most common reasons infestations get worse rather than better. These products have a strong repellent effect - they don’t kill the hidden colony, they scatter it deeper into wall voids and behind appliances, where it continues breeding out of sight. Effective treatment needs to reach the nest, not just the roaches visible on the floor.
Our Cockroach Control Process
- Inspection - identifying the species, locating harbourage areas (behind appliances, under sinks, inside cupboard voids), and assessing severity.
- Non-repellent gel baiting - professional-grade bait placed precisely along known foraging routes. Roaches carry the bait back to the colony, which is far more effective than surface spraying.
- Insect growth regulator treatment, where needed, to break the breeding cycle so juvenile roaches can’t mature and reproduce.
- Sealing and hygiene advice - practical steps to reduce food and water sources and close off entry points, so the problem doesn’t return.
- Follow-up visit - to confirm the infestation is fully resolved.
Common in These London Areas
Cockroach activity is a frequent call-out across Central London (restaurants and food premises), North East London (converted period buildings), and East London (older terraces and warehouse conversions). Check your area page for local detail, or contact us directly.
Cockroach Control prices
| What | Price |
|---|---|
| Flat | £190 |
| House | £240 |
| Restaurants and food businesses | After a free quote |
| Survey visit, if needed | £99, taken off the price if you book |
Quotes by phone, WhatsApp or our quote form are free. No extra charge for evenings, weekends or bank holidays, and you pay after the treatment. Every price is on our pricing page.
What happens on the visit
- We confirm the species first. German and oriental cockroaches live in different places and need different treatment.
- We find the harbourage: behind fridges and cookers, inside unit voids, around boilers and under sinks.
- Gel bait goes along their routes, so they carry it back to the rest of the colony.
- We tell you what to leave alone for the next few days so the bait keeps working.
How to get ready
- Clean up crumbs and grease, but don't use sprays or strong cleaners where you have seen cockroaches.
- Store food in sealed containers and don't leave pet food out overnight.
- Fix dripping taps if you can. Oriental cockroaches need water.
- Clear the cupboards under the sink and next to the cooker.
When to call straight away
Call the same day if you run a food business, or you are seeing cockroaches in daylight. That usually means a large population. Phones are answered 24/7, and our emergency pest control team can usually be with you the same day.
Cockroaches can carry bacteria onto food and worktops. See the NHS guidance on food poisoning.
If they come back
Every treatment includes a free revisit if the same pest comes back to the same property within 60 days, as long as you followed our prep instructions. How the 60-day guarantee works.
Read before you book
Other pests we treat across London
Ant Control
Garden ants, nests and kitchen trails, treated at the source.Bed Bug Treatment
Heat and chemical treatment, priced by the room.Flea Control
The whole property treated, not just the pets.Mice Control
Mouse treatment plus proofing so they stay out.Rat Control
Source investigation, bait stations and proofing.Wasp Nest Removal
Same-day wasp nest treatment across London.Moth Control
Clothes and carpet moths, wool and clothing protected.Silverfish Control
Treatment plus advice on the damp that draws them in.Spider Control
False widow specialists for homes and gardens.Pharaoh Ant Control
Specialist multi-visit baiting. Spraying makes them spread.Squirrel Control
Grey squirrels trapped out of lofts, entry points found.Carpet Beetle Treatment
The real cause of many holes blamed on moths.Commercial Pest Control
Monthly plans for restaurants, shops and offices. Cancel any time.HMO and Hostel Bed Bugs
Room-by-room bed bug plans for landlords and hostels.Frequently asked questions
How quickly does professional treatment work?
Bold, visible roaches usually stop appearing within a few days, but the full colony - including hidden nests - can take one to a few weeks to fully die off, since baiting relies on roaches spreading the treatment through grooming and contact.
Do cockroaches mean my home is dirty?
No. Cockroaches are drawn to any accessible food and water source and commonly enter through shared building infrastructure - drains, pipework, and cavity walls - regardless of how clean a property is.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
Yes, more than most people realise - they can spread bacteria including salmonella and E. coli across food surfaces, and their droppings and shed skins are a known asthma and allergy trigger, particularly in children.
Will one treatment be enough?
For a light, early-stage infestation, often yes. For anything more established, especially where German cockroaches have had time to breed, a follow-up visit within the guarantee period is the safest way to confirm the colony is fully gone.
Why do I have cockroaches if my flat is spotless?
Cockroaches commonly travel between flats via shared drains, pipework, and cavity walls, especially in converted or older buildings - a spotless flat can still be affected if a neighbouring unit has an active infestation.
What's the difference between German and Oriental cockroaches?
German cockroaches are smaller, lighter, breed fastest, and prefer warm kitchen areas. Oriental cockroaches are darker, larger, and more commonly linked to damp basements and drains. Treatment approach can differ slightly depending on species.
Can cockroaches come back after bait treatment if I clean thoroughly?
Cleaning helps remove food sources that attract cockroaches, but it won't eliminate an existing colony on its own - bait treatment is still needed to reach roaches hiding in wall voids and behind appliances.
Do you treat commercial kitchens and restaurants?
Yes - commercial premises usually need a tailored, ongoing pest management plan to stay compliant with food safety requirements; get in touch for a commercial quote.
Cockroaches guides from our blog
Cockroaches in Restaurants and Food Premises: A Compliance Guide
Cockroach activity in a commercial kitchen is a food safety issue, not just a nuisance. Here's what London food businesses need to know.
Why Do Cockroaches Appear in Clean Flats?
Cockroaches aren't a sign of a dirty home. Here's the real reason they turn up in spotless London flats, and what's actually attracting them.
How Much Does Cockroach Control Cost in London? 2026 Price Guide
Real 2026 London pricing for cockroach control - domestic and commercial. See what affects the cost and why some jobs need more than one visit.
Cockroach Control across Greater London
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A real person answers 24/7. Same-day visits available. Every treatment includes a free revisit if the pests come back within 60 days.