Plumstead is a settled, leafy suburb with long-standing families, a lot of oak and jacaranda shade and older homes that have been added onto over the years. That patchwork of old and new building is what keeps us busy here.
German and American cockroaches in Plumstead
Plumstead sees both kinds of cockroach. American cockroaches come up from drains and sewer lines in older homes, usually at night and most in summer, and the damp under-floor voids give them shelter. German cockroaches are more of a kitchen problem in the flats closer to Main Road and in the shops and takeaways there.
We treat drains, floor traps and under-floor areas for American cockroaches, and use gel baits and dusts in kitchens for German cockroaches.
How to tell you have a problem
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.
From the technician
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.
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.
Our process, step by step
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.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Take rubbish out every evening and keep outside bins with tight lids away from doors.
- Keep floor drains covered and run water down little-used drains weekly so the traps stay full.
- Check cardboard boxes, second-hand appliances and furniture before bringing them indoors.
- 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.
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.
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.
Cockroach Control questions from Plumstead
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.
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.
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 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.
Why do I see big cockroaches at night in my Plumstead home?
They're American cockroaches from the drains and sewer lines. A drain treatment and full water traps stop most of them.
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.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
