How do I know if I have German cockroaches?+
German cockroaches are small, around 12 to 15 mm, light brown, with two dark stripes running down the back of the head. They stay close to warmth and moisture, so you find them behind the fridge and dishwasher, under the sink, and inside cabinetry rather than out in the garden. Seeing them during the day usually means the population is already large.
Why are German cockroaches treated separately from general pest control?+
Their biology is different. A German cockroach female carries her egg case until it is ready to hatch, which protects the eggs from a standard residual treatment, and the population can rebuild from survivors within weeks. They also live almost entirely inside cavities rather than crossing treated surfaces. That combination means a general treatment will not clear them, so we quote a dedicated program instead.
How much does German cockroach treatment cost?+
It is quoted to the property rather than sold at a fixed price, because the work depends on the size of the premises, how established the infestation is, and how many follow-up visits it needs. A single unit with light activity is a very different job to a commercial kitchen. We assess the site and give you the full program cost in writing before anything starts.
How long does it take to get rid of German cockroaches?+
Most jobs come under control over several weeks rather than in a single visit. The first treatment knocks down the active population, then follow-up work catches the cockroaches that hatch from egg cases the initial treatment could not reach. Breaking that hatch cycle is the part that actually ends the infestation, which is why the follow-up is built into the program.
Can I treat German cockroaches myself with supermarket products?+
It rarely works and often makes the job harder. Surface sprays miss the cavities where the population lives, do nothing to protected egg cases, and can scatter the cockroaches into new parts of the building. German cockroaches are also known to build resistance to over-the-counter products. By the time a DIY attempt has failed, the infestation is usually larger and more spread out.
Do you treat German cockroaches in units and apartments?+
Yes, and shared buildings need a particular approach. German cockroaches travel between units through wall cavities, plumbing runs, and shared services, so treating one unit while the neighbours go untreated often just moves the problem. We tell you what we are seeing and, where a building is involved, what the block needs rather than only the unit that called.
Is German cockroach treatment safe around children and pets?+
Yes. The program relies on gel bait placed inside cracks, cavities, and the voids behind appliances, not spraying across benches and floors where your family lives. We show you where every placement sits, tell you which areas to keep clear and for how long, and adjust the approach if anyone in the home has allergies or sensitivities.
What do I need to do before and after the treatment?+
Before the visit, empty the cupboards under the sink and pull the fridge and oven out slightly if you can, so we can reach the harbourage. Afterwards, leave the bait exactly where it sits, do not clean over the placements, and keep up the kitchen hygiene that starves the population. We give you the specific list for your property when we book.
