There’s nothing like a cockroach sighting to turn a good day at work into a crisis. Whether you run a takeaway in Shawlands or a coffee shop in East Kilbride, one roach scuttling across the floor can mean bad reviews, lost customers, or even a visit from Environmental Health.
This blog we hope can be a guide for business owners across Greater Glasgow who want to keep their premises cockroach free and of course generall pest-free. We’ll walk you through how to spot cockroach trouble, why they’re hard to shift, and how Strathclyde Pest Control can help — quickly and quietly.
Why Cockroaches Are Bad News for Glasgow Businesses
Cockroaches aren’t just and awful photo review waiting to happen, they’re bad news for health and hygiene. Around Glasgow, we mainly deal with German and Oriental cockroaches. They love warm hiding spots and only need a sliver of space to get in.
They’re known to carry bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, leave droppings on worktops, and can set off allergies. If your place handles food, an infestation could mean failed checks, a drop in hygiene ratings, or worse…
How to Tell if Cockroaches Are About
They’re shy creatures, mostly active at night, so you might not catch them in the act. Keep an eye out for these signs:
- A weird, musty smell in corners or cupboards
- Tiny droppings that look like black pepper or coffee grains
- Smear marks along walls or near sinks
- Egg casings (oothecae) stashed in warm nooks
- Roaches dashing off when you flick on a light
If you’ve spotted one, chances are there’s a whole lote more where that came from.
Why DIY Cockroach Sprays Rarely Work
It’s tempting to grab a can from the supermarket, but that’s rarely enough to even crack the surface of the problem. Why?
- Shop-bought sprays only hit the ones you see — not the nest
- Roaches are tough — they’ve built up resistance to many products
- You might just drive them deeper into your building
For a business, time matters. Every day the issue’s not dealt with, it risks affecting your team, your customers, and your reputation.
How We Deal with Cockroach Infestations in Commercial Premises
Our team at Strathclyde Pest Control sorts out cockroach issues across Glasgow, East Kilbride and surrounding areas. Here’s how we help:
- A full sweep to locate nesting spots and entry points
- Identification of the cockroach species involved
- Use of professional gel baits and approved treatments
- Flexible scheduling to avoid disrupting your working hours
- Advice on prevention and optional follow-up visits or even if need ongoing pest removal contracts
We understand the delicate nature of this type of pest problem so rest assured we’re discreet — no drama, no fuss.
What Happens During a Visit
When you book us, here’s what typically happens:
- We check under fridges, sinks, bins, and warm tucked-away spaces
- We identify the species — behaviour and treatment varies
- Bait gels and monitors go in discreetly
- We offer tailored advice to help prevent reoccurrence
- Follow-up treatment can be arranged if needed
If you need it for paperwork, we can provide inspection reports.
Tips to Help Keep Cockroaches Out
Here’s how to keep things clean and less inviting to cockroaches:
- Wipe up food spills and crumbs straight away
- Keep dry food in tightly sealed containers
- Empty bins daily and give the area a clean too
- Clean behind kitchen kit like cookers and chillers
- Fix any leaks — damp spots attract pests
- Check deliveries for signs of infestation
- Book routine pest checks, especially if you handle food

We Also Support Homeowners
We don’t just help businesses — flats, houses and tenements in Glasgow can have cockroach problems too. Common spots include behind baths, boiler cupboards, and under kitchen units.
Whether it’s a one-off sighting or a repeat issue, we’ll help sort it with a treatment that suits your property.
Call Strathclyde Pest Control Today
Don’t let cockroaches damage your business or peace of mind. Our local, fully trained team is ready to get on with it — fast, professional and under the radar.
We cover Glasgow, East Kilbride, Newton Mearns, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, and everywhere in between.
📞 Call now or request a call back — let’s get it dealt with.
✅ Commercial & residential treatments
✅ Local, experienced team
✅ Flexible bookings, discreet visits
FAQs
Q: Are cockroaches common in Glasgow?
A: Sadly, yes — especially in food-based businesses and older buildings. They are not just the ugly things you see abroad or in movies about new york! (think men in black…)
Q: Do I need to close during treatment?
A: Not usually. We try to carry out treatments outside of business hours.
Q: Are your treatments safe for staff and customers?
A: Yes. We use industry approved products and work to all current safety standards.
Q: Can one cockroach mean a full infestation?
A: Very likely. If you’ve seen one, there’s often more hiding out of sight.
Q: Do you offer pest control contracts?
A: We do. They’re tailored to your business type and budget — especially helpful for food premises.