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Pest control professionals in Cardiff have observed a noticeable increase in the number of cockroach infestations reported in residential homes, with some companies receiving as many as five to six calls each week. According to Cardiff council data, there was a 9% rise in cockroach sighting reports in domestic properties between the years 2024 and 2025. Experts suggest that this trend is linked to warmer climates and the prevalence of high-density living spaces such as flats and apartments, which provide an ideal environment for these pests.
One local resident, Sumesh Geevarghese, shared his experience with a stressful cockroach infestation in his rented apartment in Cardiff. He recalled the problem emerging after a neighbor moved out and left belongings outside, noting, “They started coming from everywhere.” The German cockroach, which is the most commonly encountered cockroach species in the UK, is originally native to South East Asia rather than Germany as its name might suggest. These insects depend entirely on human environments for survival in the region and are known carriers of harmful bacteria including salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus, according to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).
Data from various councils show the scale of the issue; Cardiff recorded 86 reports of domestic cockroach cases in 2025, Newport had 31, and Swansea reported 13. In striking contrast, rural parts of Wales reported few, if any, infestations, highlighting the role urban environments play in facilitating the presence of these pests. Geevarghese described how the cockroaches invaded multiple areas of his home, appearing in unusual places such as behind the Wi-Fi router and electrical sockets. Despite using supermarket pest sprays initially, the problem worsened until his letting agency stepped in to arrange private pest control treatments, which eventually brought the situation under control.
Chris Corbett, a pest control expert from Caerphilly, has seen a steady increase in cockroach-related callouts since he began working in 1981. “Five years ago, we were getting probably one or two [calls] a week,” he said. “At the moment we’re getting around five or six a week coming in.” Dr George Beccaloni, an entomologist and former curator at the Natural History Museum, explained the impact of climate change on cockroach populations, noting that milder winters now allow cockroaches to survive in places like ducts and drains, which previously were too cold for them. Niall Gallagher from the BPCA also emphasized that apartments tend to facilitate cockroach infestations due to their warmth and the close proximity of residents, creating ideal conditions for pests to thrive and spread.
When it comes to dealing with cockroach infestations, the BPCA advises contacting professional pest control services, preferably members of the association, rather than attempting DIY solutions. Gallagher stressed the common embarrassment people feel about having pests but reassured that infestations are not necessarily linked to cleanliness. He pointed out that even the royal household deals with pests, highlighting the universality of the issue. While treating cockroach infestations can be challenging, Gallagher confirmed that with the right preparation and professional engagement, every infestation can be effectively controlled
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