Cockroaches
German roaches breed indoors all year; American roaches come in from drains and mulch when it’s hot. Either way, act early.
Main risk
Health risk
Signs to look for
Droppings like ground pepper in drawers, cupboards and behind appliances.
A musty, oily smell in kitchens and bathrooms.
Egg cases or shed skins in dark corners.
Why it matters
Cockroaches carry bacteria onto food and surfaces, and their droppings trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children. One female German cockroach can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.
How to keep them out
Fix dripping taps and wipe sinks dry at night.
Don’t leave pet food or dirty dishes out overnight.
Seal gaps under sinks and around plumbing.
How we treat them
Gel baits in cracks and hinges, growth regulators that stop the next generation, and monitoring traps so we can see the numbers fall. We come back after two weeks to check.
