The short answer is yes! If you have had encounters with German cockroaches in your home or business in Sydney, you should have noticed how unresponsive they are compared to other pests. You may have sprayed them at first, but a week later they return back. You could have also set up a few cockroach traps and may have only trapped about a dozen out of what feels like an army of cockroaches.

There’s a solid reason for their restlessness, and it is not just bad luck.

Why this species is different

German cockroaches (the small light-brown cockroaches with two dark stripes on their heads commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms) reproduce in greater numbers compared to other cockroaches in Sydney. A single German cockroach can produce over 40 eggs, mating every 3 to 4 weeks. When you do the maths, you will see that what may seem like a mere sighting quickly turns into a problem.

These insects can fit into the spaces that most people do not even consider. Behind the motor of a fridge, within the body of a toaster, under the rubber seal of a dishwasher, and in the hinges of a cupboard door. They prefer warm and humid environments, and the kitchen and bathroom provide sufficient warmth and moisture.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that German cockroaches have been encountering commercial insecticides for a long time, thus many cockroach populations have developed resistance to active substances. That is why the supermarket insecticide can kill those you see but is not able to make a difference for those from the wall cavities.

What actually works

To cope with the problem of German cockroaches, one needs to find their breeding ground (not just the place where they were seen) and to apply an effective insecticide.

Gel baits mesh perfectly here. The roaches will take the gel bait back to their nest and feed it to the roach colony, including roaches that won’t be seen. With some dust treatments in wall cavities, certain plants, and an extensive property inspection, getting control of most infestations can happen in a couple of visits.

A DIY spray is not necessarily wasted money, but it’s again treating the symptoms. If you have sprayed a few times and you still see roaches at night, then there’s a good chance you should be calling pest control experts for help instead of looking for something stronger.

If you are in Sydney, you should be calling our German cockroach pest control team, as the treatment will be based on the biology of the pest itself instead of using a spray.

FAQ

How can I identify German cockroaches instead of other species?

German cockroaches are small, no more than 1.6cm long and brown in colors from light to tan. They have two dark stripes across their back and they usually prefer dwelling indoors. Most likely, German cockroaches will infest kitchens and bathrooms at homes in Sydney.

Why do they keep coming back even after I use pesticide?

Pesticides kill visible roaches on contact, but they don’t kill cockroach eggs located somewhere in cracks or voids and there’s no guarantee that resistant cockroaches won’t survive. A female cockroach lays its egg case within a few weeks, creating a new infestation quickly unless the place where they breed is killed.

Is it possible to get rid of cockroaches all by oneself?

Yes, but only if an infestation is in its early stages. In that case, sealing imperfect places and eliminating food can be helpful. However, if the infestation is already causing problems, the DIY approach can only reduce the number of cockroaches rather than eliminate it altogether.

How long does it take for professional pest control to work?

While the majority of individuals will see a reduction in pests within the first week, full control typically takes two to three treatments spaced out over the weeks, according to the egg-hatching cycle, instead of just one chemical spray.

Is it due to cleanliness?

No. Although German cockroaches tend to stay attracted to any source of food, water, and heat, even tidy homes are infested, particularly in apartments due to their movement between subunits via shared wall or plumbing cavities.

Could they be a health risk?

Yes. German cockroaches are known to cause allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children, and bring bacteria with them wherever they go. It is better to get a proper treatment rather than simply cohabiting with them.

If you notice any German cockroaches in your household or workplace in Sydney, contact E1 Pest Solutions at 1300 631 937 or visit www.e1pestsolutions.com.au.