What we deal 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.
Signs to look for
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.
How we treat it
Gel bait is the backbone of most cockroach treatments. It is placed in tiny spots inside hinges, cracks and appliance housings where cockroaches feed, and because they feed on each other's droppings, the bait passes through the population. We add an insect growth regulator for German cockroaches so the young cannot mature and breed. For American cockroaches, we treat floor drains, manholes and entry points with a residual product, and use dusts in wall voids and ceiling spaces. We avoid broad spraying of open surfaces because it is less effective and adds unnecessary chemicals to your home.
- Identify the cockroach
German or American makes a big difference to where we treat. A WhatsApp photo is usually enough to tell.
- Inspect harbourage
We check hinges, behind and under appliances, motor compartments, drains, and electrical points with a torch.
- Map the infestation
We note which rooms or units are affected, and whether neighbouring flats or shared drains are involved.
- Bait and growth regulator
Gel bait goes into feeding spots, and a growth regulator breaks the breeding cycle.
- Drains and voids
Floor drains, manholes and wall voids are treated to stop American cockroaches getting in.
- Follow-up and report
German cockroach jobs usually need a follow-up visit to catch hatching nymphs, and you get a report with proofing advice.
Things most people don't know
A lot of people think cockroaches mean the house is dirty. German cockroaches very often arrive in delivery boxes or second-hand appliances, and a clean house just gives them fewer places to feed.
The first thing an experienced technician does is look inside the fridge motor compartment and behind the microwave. Warm electrical spots are cockroach favourites and are often missed with sprays.
Foggers and bug bombs feel like they should work, but cockroaches simply retreat into walls and neighbouring units until the fog settles. They often come back in bigger numbers.
When it peaks in Cape Town
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.
DIY or call a professional?
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.
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.
Preventing it coming back
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I seeing more cockroaches after the treatment?
For a few days, cockroaches affected by the bait often come out into the open before they die. This is normal, and numbers should drop clearly within one to two weeks.
How did I get German cockroaches in a clean house?
They usually hitch a ride in grocery boxes, appliances, furniture or bags, or move in from a neighbouring unit. Cleanliness helps control them, but it does not stop them from arriving.
Do cockroaches fly in Cape Town?
American cockroaches can fly or glide short distances, mostly on hot, humid nights. German cockroaches have wings but rarely fly.
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.
Cockroach Control by area
We cover all of these suburbs from our base in Brackenfell. Pick yours for local advice.
