What is the best way to get rid of cockroaches?
Identify the species, then treat where they live. German cockroaches need gel baits placed in cracks near warmth and water inside kitchens and bathrooms, often with a growth regulator to stop breeding. Outdoor species like smoky brown and Australian cockroaches need a perimeter treatment of gardens, sub-floors, roof voids and entry points. Sprays alone usually only kill the cockroaches you can see.
Signs you have cockroaches
- Cockroaches running when you turn on the kitchen light at night
- Small black droppings like ground pepper in cupboard corners and drawers
- Brown egg cases behind appliances or under sinks
- A musty, oily smell in kitchens and pantries
- Shed skins around the fridge, dishwasher or microwave
Why cockroaches keep coming back
A single German cockroach egg case holds dozens of young, and they can mature in a matter of weeks in a warm kitchen. Surface sprays kill what they touch but leave the colony hidden inside hinges, motors and wall voids. Lasting control means baiting where they shelter so they carry the bait back to the colony, and fixing the gaps and moisture that drew them in.
How Pestor treats cockroaches
Identify
We confirm which species you have and where they are breeding: inside appliances, cupboards, wall voids or outside.
Bait
Gel baits are placed in the cracks and hinges cockroaches use, away from food prep surfaces.
Treat
Targeted residual treatment of skirting, sub-floor, roof void and outside perimeter where the species calls for it.
Review
We check activity on a follow-up and adjust baiting until the population is gone.
Before your cockroach treatment
- Clear benches and wipe away food scraps and grease
- Empty the cupboards under the sink and the pantry floor so we can reach the back corners
- Do not spray insecticide in the days before, as it can make cockroaches avoid the baits
- Let us know about pets, fish tanks and anyone with asthma
Prevention tips
- Wipe benches and sweep floors each night and keep food in sealed containers
- Fix dripping taps and leaks under sinks
- Seal gaps around pipes, skirting and behind the dishwasher
- Take rubbish out daily and keep outdoor bins closed
- Check cardboard boxes and deliveries before bringing them inside
Common species in Melbourne
| Name | Scientific name | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| German cockroach | Blattella germanica | Small and light brown with two dark stripes. Breeds indoors in kitchens and is the main problem in food businesses. |
| Australian cockroach | Periplaneta australasiae | Large, reddish-brown with yellow edges on the wings. Lives outside and wanders indoors. |
| Smoky brown cockroach | Periplaneta fuliginosa | Large and dark brown. Very common in Melbourne gardens, sub-floors and roof voids. |
| American cockroach | Periplaneta americana | The largest species, often found in drains, sewers and commercial basements. |
FAQs about cockroaches
Why do I have cockroaches in a clean house?
Cockroaches are after warmth, water and shelter as much as food. Motors in fridges and dishwashers, leaking pipes and gaps in walls attract them even in very clean homes. They can also arrive in boxes, bags and second-hand appliances.
How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?
Most homes see a big drop within a week or two as cockroaches feed on the bait. Heavy German cockroach infestations can need a follow-up visit to finish the job.
Is cockroach treatment safe for pets and children?
Gel baits are placed in cracks and hinges out of reach. For residual sprays we tell you how long to keep children and pets away from treated areas, usually until the treatment has dried.
Do I need to leave the house?
Usually not for a gel bait treatment. If a residual spray is used inside, you may need to stay out of treated rooms for a few hours. Your technician will confirm on the day.