Cockroach inspection and control

What are cockroaches?

Cockroaches are mainly nocturnal insects that seek food, water and shelter. Common pest species include German, American, Oriental and Australian cockroaches. Smaller species often concentrate around warm kitchens and appliances; larger species may be associated with drains, service voids, subfloors and outdoor areas.

Signs they may be present

• Repeated live or dead cockroach sightings, including during the day.
• Small dark specks, faecal pellets or smears around cupboards and appliances.
• Brown, purse-shaped egg cases.
• Shed skins in cracks, cupboards or storage areas.
• Night activity behind appliances, beneath sinks or near drains.
• A persistent musty smell where activity is heavy.

What you can do yourself

• Store food in sealed containers and clean crumbs, grease and spills promptly.
• Clean beneath and behind movable appliances, and empty rubbish regularly.
• Remove pet food overnight and leave sinks dry where practical.
• Repair dripping taps and pipes, and reduce stored cardboard and clutter.
• Seal accessible cracks around cupboards, skirting and pipes.
• Use sticky monitors or a domestic product only as directed, away from children, pets and food-contact surfaces.

What to leave alone and when to call

Do not spray exposed food, utensils, benches or other food-contact surfaces. Do not mix pesticides, increase the dose or spray over gel bait. A room fogger or quick surface spray may miss the harbourage.

Professional treatment is worth arranging when activity appears in several rooms, returns after cleaning and baiting, moves between apartments or affects a commercial kitchen or other sensitive site.

How we investigate and treat it

1. 1

   Identify and map the activity

   We inspect with a torch and monitors to establish the likely species, harbourages and extent.

2. 2

   Check the supporting conditions

   Food, water, clutter, plumbing gaps, drains and adjoining rooms are considered.

3. 3

   Apply focused control

   The plan may use registered gel bait, contained bait, light dusting or crack-and-crevice treatment suited to the site.

4. 4

   Reinspect and adjust

   Monitoring shows whether the activity is falling and whether a follow-up treatment or building repair is needed.