German cockroaches are the small, tan cockroaches, about the length of a fingernail, with two dark lines behind the head. They live almost only indoors, and in New Farm they are most common in the kitchens of older unit blocks, share houses and apartments. If you see small cockroaches scatter when you open a cupboard or pull out the toaster, these are almost certainly the ones.
They are hard to get rid of for a few reasons. They breed quickly, with each egg case holding dozens of young. They hide in very small gaps, such as the space inside a cupboard hinge or behind a fridge seal. They also learn to avoid baits they have eaten before and surfaces that have been sprayed often. That is why a planned approach works much better than a can from the supermarket.
- A close look at hinges, appliance motors, the stove and sink cupboards
- Gel bait placed in small dots, with more than one type used where needed
- Dust in wall gaps, behind splashbacks and around pipe holes
- A second visit where numbers are high, priced upfront
- A short note for your landlord or body corporate if you need one
You can help by keeping benches clean, storing food in sealed tubs, fixing any leaks and taking cardboard boxes out of the kitchen. Cardboard is a favourite hiding and breeding spot. In unit blocks, cockroaches can come back from next door, so it helps to talk to neighbours about treating at the same time. A light problem in one kitchen often settles in two to three weeks, while a heavy one in an older block may take a second round of bait.
To book German cockroach control in New Farm, call 07 3543 7765 and we will give you an upfront price.
