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 treat the places they shelter, then check that things are settling, and give you plain advice on keeping them from returning.
A mixed town with mixed buildings
Newton Abbot has older terraces, newer estates, shops, light industry and farmland around the edges, so the calls we get are varied. Older houses can have gaps behind kitchen units and under floors, newer homes have service ducts and warm utility spaces, and commercial premises often have storerooms, loading areas and shared bins.
Cockroaches take advantage of all of these. They hide by day in dark, warm and slightly damp gaps, then come out to feed on crumbs, spills and waste. In a unit that receives regular deliveries they can also arrive in packaging, so checking incoming boxes and stock areas is part of our advice.
Treating the problem properly
In Newton Abbot we inspect around sinks, appliances, drains, bin stores and anywhere that stays warm. We look for pepper-like droppings, egg cases, a musty smell and live insects. If we are unsure how widespread things are, we put out monitoring traps for a short time. That helps us treat the right places rather than covering everything.
Treatment is then applied in a targeted way and activity is monitored afterwards. We will tell you what to clear before we arrive, and what to do afterwards, such as cleaning, sealing gaps and fixing leaks. Because cockroaches can spread germs onto food and surfaces, shops and food premises should not leave it to chance.
Shops, units and homes around Newton Abbot
We help householders and landlords in Newton Abbot as well as businesses that must keep premises clean and in use. Our visits are discreet, and we keep notes of what we find and what we did. If you have a second property in Teignmouth or Shaldon, we cover those too and can look at both on a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can cockroaches arrive in deliveries to a Newton Abbot shop?
Yes. They can travel in cardboard, crates and packaging, especially if stock is stored in warm, dark spaces. Checking deliveries, keeping stock off the floor and cleaning storerooms all reduce the risk of them settling in.
What does a cockroach egg case look like?
It is a small, brown, bean or purse-shaped capsule that may be found in dark corners, behind units or under appliances. Seeing one means insects have been breeding nearby. Do not squash it; keep a note of where it was and tell us.
Is a cockroach problem likely to go away on its own?
Unlikely. If conditions stay warm, damp and well supplied with food, they tend to carry on and increase. Early inspection usually means a simpler treatment and less disruption, so it is better not to wait and hope.