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 →Cockroaches rarely come out in daylight, so the one you saw is usually a small part of the picture. Our job is to find the nest areas, treat them carefully, and then check that the problem has settled.
Why cockroaches settle in a city like Exeter
Exeter has a good mix of terraced streets, student lets, newer estates and a busy centre, and cockroaches do well in shared and connected buildings. They like warmth, damp and darkness, so they gather behind kitchen units, under sinks, around dishwashers and fridges, and in bin stores and drains. Where a building shares walls, pipes or ducting, they can travel between flats without anyone noticing.
That is why one tenant's problem can become the whole block's problem. If you manage a house in multiple occupation or a row of flats, it is worth telling us about neighbouring units when you call, so the inspection can look at the shared routes as well as the kitchen where the insects were seen.
What we look for and what we do
On the visit in Exeter we check the usual hiding places with a torch and, where needed, monitoring traps. Signs include droppings that look like pepper or coffee grounds, egg cases, a musty smell and live insects at night. We also look at how they are getting in and what they are feeding on, because the treatment only holds if the food, water and shelter are dealt with too.
Once we know where they are living, we use a targeted treatment in those spots rather than spraying every surface. We then monitor to see whether activity drops, and we give plain advice on cleaning, sealing gaps around pipes and keeping waste in closed containers. Cockroaches can spread germs onto food surfaces, so we take kitchens seriously.
Homes, flats and food businesses in Exeter
We treat family houses, student flats, takeaways, cafes and restaurants in Exeter, and we adjust the approach to suit. A home needs discretion and clear instructions about what to move; a kitchen needs a plan that fits around service. We also cover nearby Topsham and Crediton if your property is just outside the city. Ask us anything before the visit and we will explain what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I only see cockroaches in my Exeter flat at night?
Cockroaches are nocturnal and spend the day hidden in warm, dark gaps behind units, appliances and pipework. If you see one in daylight, the hiding places may be crowded. A night-time sighting is a good reason to book an inspection so we can find where they are sheltering.
Can cockroaches travel between flats in the same building?
Yes. They move along pipes, ducting and gaps in shared walls and floors. If you live in a converted house or block, tell us about neighbours who have seen them too, because treating only one flat can leave the problem next door ready to return.
Do I need to empty my kitchen cupboards before you come?
We will tell you exactly what to clear when you book, as it depends on the job. Usually we need access to the spaces under the sink and around appliances, and food should be put away in sealed containers so it stays clear of treated areas.