Know what you are dealing with
The German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is light brown, about 12 to 15 mm long and has two dark stripes behind its head. It lives entirely indoors, breeds very fast, and is the one behind most problems in flats, restaurants and kitchens. The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is reddish brown and can be over 4 cm long; it lives in sewers, manholes and stormwater drains and wanders into homes through floor drains and gaps, particularly on hot summer nights, and it can fly short distances. The brown-banded cockroach is smaller and prefers warm, dry spots higher up, like behind picture frames, inside electronics and in bedroom cupboards. Each one hides in different places, which is why identification comes first.
Myths, mistakes and lesser-known facts
Gel bait in small dots inside hinges and cracks is one of the safest ways to treat a home with children and pets. It stays where it is put and is not sprayed into the air.
In rented flats, cockroaches are often a building problem, not a tenant problem. Landlords and body corporates get far better results treating the whole building together.
German cockroach egg cases protect the developing young from most insecticides. That is why a follow-up visit is not an upsell; it is part of a proper treatment.
Warning signs
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: Cockroaches walk through drains, rubbish and decaying matter and then over plates, counters and food, spreading bacteria that can cause food poisoning and stomach illness. Proteins in their droppings, saliva and shed skins are a well-known trigger for asthma and allergies, particularly in children. German cockroaches can build up to thousands in a single kitchen within months. For restaurants, takeaways and food factories, a single cockroach seen by a customer or inspector can lead to complaints, bad reviews or a forced closure.
Can you do it yourself?
For the occasional big American cockroach wandering in from the drain, a drain cover and some sealing will often do the trick. German cockroaches are a different story, and I would say DIY sprays and foggers make most infestations worse by scattering them into the walls and next door. If you are seeing small cockroaches in the kitchen during the day, you need a professional.
Seasonal pattern
American cockroaches are most active in the hot summer months, when they come up from warm drains and sewers at night. German cockroaches breed all year round because they live indoors near stoves, fridges and geysers. Heavy winter rain can flood drains and push cockroaches into homes in large numbers.
Prevention checklist
- Never leave dirty dishes or pots in the sink overnight.
- Clean behind and under the stove and fridge every few months, since grease build-up there feeds a lot of cockroaches.
- Keep floor drains covered and run water down little-used drains weekly so the traps stay full.
- Seal gaps where pipes and cables pass through walls under sinks and behind appliances.
- Check cardboard boxes, second-hand appliances and furniture before bringing them indoors.
- Take rubbish out every evening and keep outside bins with tight lids away from doors.
What affects the price
Price depends largely on the species and how big the population is, with German cockroaches in a well-established kitchen taking more time and usually a follow-up visit. The size of the home or business, the number of units involved and the amount of equipment and cupboards to treat all affect the quote. Restaurants and food businesses often go onto a regular contract, which tends to work out better value than repeated once-off treatments, and the quote is free.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas do you cover for cockroach control?
All of Cape Town and the Boland: 133 suburbs from Atlantis and Melkbosstrand to Simon's Town, Khayelitsha and Gordon's Bay. We are based in Brackenfell.
Can I deal with cockroaches myself?
For the occasional big American cockroach wandering in from the drain, a drain cover and some sealing will often do the trick. German cockroaches are a different story, and I would say DIY sprays and foggers make most infestations worse by scattering them into the walls and next door. If you are seeing small cockroaches in the kitchen during the day, you need a professional.
How do I get a quote?
Call 021 012 5825 or send us a photo on WhatsApp. Quotes are free and we will tell you what you are dealing with.
Do I need to leave the house during treatment?
For gel bait treatments, no. If residual products are used in certain areas, we will tell you how long to keep children and pets away, usually just until it has dried.
How many treatments will I need?
American cockroaches often need just one. German cockroaches usually need a second visit a few weeks later to deal with nymphs hatching from protected egg cases.
Can you treat a whole block of flats?
Yes, and it is the best way to deal with German cockroaches in a block. Treating one flat while the neighbours are infested usually leads to quick reinfestation.