IF YOU have a cough or a cold that won't go away, it might not just be a sign winter is coming in.

Experts say it could be a horrifying sign of a secret cockroach infestation - and you may have no idea they are in your house.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) say there are four different breeds of the pest common to Britain.

How will I know if I have an infestation?

As the critters are so secretive - scurrying away at the first sign of light - you might not even know your home is harbouring them.

The scurrying beasts try to seek sanctuary indoors as the colder months set in, invading your walls, cupboards, pipes, sinks and floor cavities.

They are secretive creatures who shy from the light, so if they’re well hidden you’d be none the wiser.

Some of the signs you may be sharing your home with cockroaches include lingering odour that's ‘musty’.

This odour is smeared on any object the cockroaches are in contact with.

You may see brown or black cylindrical droppings which are around 2mm in length.

You may also see irregular shaped smear stains. These marks usually appear on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches scuttle along.

What are the symptoms?

Wherever cockroaches roam, they leave traces in the form of their saliva, faeces and shedded body pieces.

These particles contain specific proteins, or allergens, that can cause allergies and trigger a variety of pretty grim symptoms.

Property protection expert Ranjen Gohri, of 24|7 Home Rescue, has urged Brits not to mistake the tell-tale signs of a cockroach horde for symptoms of a common cold or flu.

Symptoms include a chronic stuffy nose, ear and sinus infections, itchy eyes and nose, a persistent cough and wheezing.