Cockroaches in flats: why they spread and how to stop them
Last updated: 12 October 2026 · Reviewed by: M. Hanifi, RSPH Level 2 qualified technician
Cockroaches spread between flats through service ducts, pipe runs, rubbish chutes and wall voids, so treating one flat alone often fails. The most effective approach is a co-ordinated treatment of affected and neighbouring flats plus communal areas, using gel baits, with residents following the same preparation steps.
How do cockroaches move between flats?
They travel along warm pipes, risers and ducts that link kitchens and bathrooms across the whole block.
How to stop cockroaches in a block
Treat the whole affected stack at the same time and seal pipe gaps.
- Survey affected and adjacent flats
- Treat communal bin stores and chutes
- Gel bait all kitchens in the stack
- Seal pipe penetrations
- Monitor with traps
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for treating a whole block?
Usually the freeholder or managing agent for communal areas. Check your lease.
