Identifying the most common pests in our urban areas

Correctly identifying pests is the first step towards dealing with them effectively. 
The most common pests and the differences between them are described below.

German cockroach (Blattella germanica)

The German cockroach is a small insect measuring up to 15 mm in length. It is light brown and often has two distinctive dark stripes on its upper body. It is very active at night and prefers warm, damp environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is usually seen in kitchen cupboards, on walls (it is a good climber) or on kitchen worktops.  

Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

The Oriental cockroach is larger than the German cockroach, reaching up to 30 mm in length. Its body is dark brown or black. It is most commonly found in damp, dark places such as cellars, warehouses and sewer pipes. It is usually seen on the floor. 

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)

The brown rat is relatively large and can reach a total length of 40 cm, including its tail. It has a greyish-brown body, small ears and a relatively short tail compared with its body length. It is commonly found in sewers, cellars, warehouses and near buildings. It is an excellent swimmer and adapts easily to different conditions.

House mouse (Mus musculus)

The house mouse is a very common rodent and household pest. An adult mouse is grey and measures between 13 cm and 18 cm in total, including its tail. House mice are good jumpers, climbers and swimmers. They are most active at night. They feed mainly on plant material. Mouse droppings are elongated and blackish, measuring up to 3 mm in length.