Advice
What Attracts Cockroaches Into a Home or Kitchen
Cockroaches look for warmth, moisture, food and dark hiding places, so understanding what draws them in is the first step to keeping them out of your kitchen.
Read the guide →We begin by tracing where they are hiding and what they feed on, then treat that spot and give you straightforward advice on keeping them out.
From the seafront to the hillside
Dawlish has a seafront with cafes and holiday accommodation, and homes spread up the hill behind. Cockroach calls can come from either end. Near the front, food businesses and lets deal with busy kitchens and waste. Higher up, family houses may have warm utility rooms and kitchens where insects slip behind units unnoticed.
Cockroaches look for warmth, moisture and food, and not much else. A leaking pipe, a damp cupboard and a few crumbs can be enough. They are mostly active at night, so the first sign may be droppings or a musty smell rather than a live insect, which is why we always search carefully.
Inspection, treatment and follow-up
In Dawlish we check under sinks, behind kitchen units and appliances, around drains and in bin stores, looking for droppings, egg cases and live insects. Monitoring traps are useful where the picture is unclear. Once we have found the harbourage, we choose a targeted treatment and tell you exactly how it will be applied and what to keep clear.
Afterwards we monitor, and we pass on simple habits that help. Clean behind appliances, keep bins closed, fix drips and leaks, and store food in sealed containers. Cockroaches can spread germs onto surfaces, so in a kitchen where food is prepared, speed and thoroughness are both important.
Dawlish homes, lets and cafes
Whether you are a householder with a worrying sighting or run a cafe or holiday let in Dawlish, we adapt the visit to suit you. We keep it discreet and explain each step plainly. Teignmouth and Exmouth are also covered if you have a property further along the coast, and we can arrange visits together.
Frequently asked questions
Why have cockroaches appeared in my Dawlish kitchen all of a sudden?
They may have arrived in a delivery, through shared pipework or from a neighbouring property, then settled somewhere warm. Sudden sightings often mean they were there for a while. An inspection shows where they are and how far the problem goes.
Do cockroaches bite or damage property?
They are not known for biting, but they contaminate food and surfaces and can spread germs. They can also leave stains and a musty smell. The main reasons to act are hygiene and the fact that numbers can grow.
How can a seafront cafe in Dawlish keep cockroaches away?
Keep waste in closed bins, clean under and behind equipment, deal with leaks and spills and inspect deliveries. Regular checks of dark, warm spots catch signs early. If you see droppings or an insect, call us before it spreads.