Cockroach: the field card
It shuns light, loves warmth and can take over a kitchen in weeks.
Card 03
Blattella germanica
In short
The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is the kitchen cockroach: 10 to 15 mm, light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. It hides close to warmth and moisture and carries bacteria on its legs. Gel bait placed in cracks, combined with sealing its hiding places, wipes out the colony.
In homes, the German cockroach is by far the most common species. By day it hides in the crevices of kitchens and bathrooms, near appliance motors, water heaters and service risers. The oriental cockroach, black and larger, lives in cellars and bin stores, and the very large American cockroach in sewers and heated basements.
The female German cockroach carries her egg case (ootheca, around thirty eggs) on her abdomen until it hatches. The eggs are shielded from surface treatments, which is one reason why insecticide foggers fail.
Tell-tale signs of cockroaches
- 1Tiny black droppings like coffee grounds in hinges, cupboard corners and behind appliances.
- 2Empty brown egg cases, pale moulted skins and dead insects under furniture.
- 3A rancid, lingering smell in heavy infestations.
- 4Insects that scatter when you switch on the light at night.
Risk index
DeratiseurPRO rating, from 1 (low) to 5 (high).
- Health
- 4/5
- Damage
- 1/5
- Spread
- 5/5
The risks
- Mechanical carriage of bacteria, including salmonella, onto surfaces and food.
- Allergens from droppings and moults linked to asthma, especially in children.
- Spread between flats through ducts and service risers.
- For food businesses: non-compliance at a hygiene inspection.
How we treat it
- 01
Detect
Torch inspection of hinges, motors and ducts, plus monitoring traps to measure the infestation and confirm the species.
- 02
Neutralise
Gel bait applied in fine dots inside cracks, with an insect growth regulator if needed, and no needless spraying in living areas.
- 03
Lock
Silicone on cracks, sealing of duct openings and advice on removing water and food sources.
- 04
Monitor
A second visit to reach nymphs hatched from egg cases, new monitoring traps, photo report and written guarantee.
Prevention checklist
Simple habits that lower the risk of the intruder coming back.
- Leave nothing out overnight: dishes, crumbs or pet bowls.
- Fix leaks and dry the sink at night: water attracts them as much as food.
- Check cardboard boxes and second-hand appliances before bringing them in.
- Seal cracks around pipes and behind kitchen skirting boards.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?
With gel bait, activity usually drops sharply within two weeks. A second visit is planned to remove the young that hatch from egg cases after the first treatment.
Do I need to leave home during the treatment?
Not for a gel treatment: the product is placed in small drops inside cracks, out of reach. We simply tell you which areas not to clean for a few weeks.
Are cockroaches caused by poor hygiene?
Not necessarily. They often arrive in cardboard boxes, shopping or through a building's ducts. A clean kitchen makes it harder for them to settle, but it won't eliminate them.
Got cockroaches at home?
Price shown before you book, 2-hour time slot, same-day photo report and written guarantee.