PEOPLE across Dorset are being urged to check for signs of cockroaches amid any spring cleaning.

Experts at British Pest Control Association (BPCA), is encouraging house-proud residents to check for cockroaches when cleaning around stoves, sinks and heating ducts this spring.

Cockroaches can act as vectors of disease and are capable of carrying the organisms which cause food poisoning in humans and many other bacteria.

Spokeswoman for BPCA, Dee Ward-Thompson said: "Cockroaches will feed on almost anything, including refuse, faecal matter and food for consumption.

"They also require access to water and will be generally found in inaccessible harbourages, close to water and food.

"Cockroaches are rarely able to survive out of doors in the British climate but thrive around the heating ducts, pipes, stoves, and sinks, especially in humid areas, and will often remain hidden during the day."

Signs including droppings, egg (ootheca) cases, obnoxious odour (large infestations), sighting of the insect.

For more, visit: www.bpca.org.uk/find