Pest control specialists are reporting a noticeable rise in cockroach infestations across Cardiff, with some companies now receiving several callouts each week. Experts believe a combination of warmer winters and growing numbers of people living in apartment buildings is helping the pests thrive.
Recent figures show that reports of cockroach problems in Cardiff homes increased by 9% between 2024 and 2025, highlighting a growing concern for residents and pest management professionals alike.
Cockroach Reports Continue to Climb
According to local data, Cardiff Council recorded 86 reports of cockroach infestations at residential properties in 2025. Nearby authorities also received complaints, with Newport reporting 31 cases and Swansea recording 13.
In contrast, councils and pest control providers in more rural areas of Wales reported very few or no cockroach-related incidents when contacted.
Private pest control companies have also noticed a significant increase in demand for their services.
Chris Corbett of Aderyn Pest Control in Caerphilly said cockroach callouts have been steadily increasing for years. While his company received only one or two calls per week around five years ago, that figure has now grown to approximately five or six reports every week.
Resident Describes Stressful Cockroach Infestation
Cardiff resident Sumesh Geevarghese, 45, described his experience with a cockroach infestation as extremely stressful.
He first noticed signs of a problem after a neighboring tenant moved out of the apartment building. According to Geevarghese, the departing residents had left personal belongings, clothing, and household items outside before vacating, and cockroaches could be seen around those items.
Not long afterward, he discovered the pests inside his own apartment.
Initially, he spotted several cockroaches while getting a glass of water late one evening. Over time, the infestation worsened despite attempts to eliminate the insects using over-the-counter sprays purchased from a supermarket.
He recalled seeing cockroaches emerge from numerous locations throughout the apartment, including:
- Electrical sockets
- WiFi router areas
- Under kitchen appliances
- Behind the microwave
- Near kettles and toasters
As the infestation spread, the situation became increasingly difficult to manage without professional assistance.
Private Pest Controllers Eventually Solved the Problem
Geevarghese said he contacted Cardiff Council but was informed that the authority had a backlog and could not respond to every case.
His letting agent later agreed to cover the cost of hiring private pest control professionals. After four separate treatment visits, the infestation was successfully brought under control.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Council stated that cockroach treatment is not considered a statutory service and is therefore not currently offered to private residents.
Why Experts Believe Cockroach Numbers Are Increasing
Entomologist and cockroach specialist Dr. George Beccaloni believes changing weather patterns are contributing to the rise in infestations.
Having spent more than two decades managing insect collections at London’s Natural History Museum, Dr. Beccaloni explained that warmer winters allow more cockroaches to survive.
Milder Winters Help Cockroaches Survive
According to Dr. Beccaloni, colder temperatures traditionally reduced cockroach populations living in drains, ducts, and similar hidden environments.
However, as winters become less severe, many of these insects are now surviving through the colder months and continuing to reproduce.
He noted that numerous insect species are expanding their range northward, with some establishing themselves in Britain for the first time.
German Cockroaches Remain the Most Common Pest Species
Of the five primary pest cockroach species found in the UK, the German cockroach is the most widespread.
Despite its name, the species originated in Southeast Asia and relies heavily on human environments to survive in Britain.
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) warns that German cockroaches can carry bacteria and organisms linked to food poisoning and other health concerns, including:
- Salmonella
- Staphylococcus
- Streptococcus
Because of these health risks, experts recommend addressing infestations as quickly as possible.
Apartment Living May Be Helping Cockroaches Spread
The BPCA also believes changes in housing patterns may be contributing to the increase in reports.
Niall Gallagher of the BPCA explained that apartment complexes often provide ideal conditions for cockroaches because they are naturally warmer and offer easy access to food, water, and shelter.
Shared walls, plumbing systems, and ventilation routes allow the insects to move more easily between properties.
Higher population density in urban housing developments may also increase the likelihood of infestations spreading from one unit to another.
Cockroaches are particularly attracted to warm and humid locations, including areas around refrigerator motors, kitchens, bathrooms, and utility spaces.
What Should You Do If You Find Cockroaches?
Experts strongly advise against attempting to handle a cockroach infestation without professional assistance.
The BPCA recommends contacting a qualified pest control specialist as soon as cockroaches are discovered. A professional inspection can identify the source of the infestation and determine the most effective treatment strategy.
Gallagher noted that do-it-yourself treatments can sometimes worsen the problem, especially in apartment buildings where cockroaches may spread into neighboring units.
Experts Say There Is No Need for Embarrassment
Many people feel uncomfortable admitting they have a pest problem, but experts stress that cockroach infestations are not always linked to poor cleanliness.
Gallagher explained that anyone can experience pest issues regardless of their living conditions. He pointed out that pests affect households of every type and income level, making infestations far more common than many people realize.
Cockroach Infestations Can Be Controlled
Although cockroach infestations are often more difficult to eliminate than some other household pests, professionals say successful treatment is possible.
Experts emphasize that effective control depends on proper preparation, cooperation from residents, and treatment by experienced pest management specialists.
While infestations in apartment buildings can be more complex because multiple units may require treatment, specialists maintain that even large infestations can be successfully managed with the right approach.
