The pest I’ll never forget: the cockroaches were everywhere

In a cheap London flat with no heating, dozens of the insects swarmed, leading to a Valentine’s Day that still makes me break out in a cold sweat

The pest I’ll never forget: the cockroaches were everywhere

TL;DR

  • The author and his girlfriend moved into a cheap London flat that lacked heating.
  • They initially discovered bedbug infestations, which were treated by replacing the mattress.
  • As spring arrived, a large cockroach infestation became apparent, with dozens scurrying out at night.
  • The landlord was initially uncooperative until the girlfriend presented dead bugs.
  • A pest controller identified the insects as oriental cockroaches, known for being larger and harder to kill.
  • The experience left the author with a lasting fear of cockroaches.