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Cockroach control
Cockroach Control in Melbourne
German cockroaches in kitchens and apartments need a two-visit gel bait program, not a spray. American and Australian cockroaches from drains and gardens are treated at the source. Cockroach programs start from $229 including GST with a 3-month warranty.
- Species-specific treatment
- Apartment and strata friendly
- 3-month warranty
Identify it
Which cockroach do you have?
The species decides the treatment. A small cockroach in the kitchen at night is almost always a German cockroach, and it needs a completely different approach to the big one near the drain.
| Cockroach | How to recognise it | Where it lives | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| German (Blattella germanica) | Small, about 12–15 mm, light brown with two dark stripes behind the head | Indoors: kitchens, dishwashers, fridge motors, microwaves, apartments | Two-visit gel bait program with a growth regulator |
| American (Periplaneta americana) | Large, up to around 40 mm, reddish-brown, can fly short distances | Drains, sewers, subfloors and wet areas | Treatment at drains, subfloors and entry points |
| Australian (Periplaneta australasiae) | Large, around 30–35 mm, with pale yellow edges on the wings and thorax | Gardens, mulch, subfloors and roof voids | Perimeter, subfloor and roof void treatment |
The German cockroach problem
Why sprays fail on German cockroaches
German cockroaches breed fast. The female carries her egg case until it is close to hatching, so eggs are protected from most treatments, and each case holds dozens of young.
Surface sprays tend to repel them. Instead of dying, they move deeper into wall cavities, appliances and the unit next door, and populations exposed to repeated spraying can become resistant to common insecticides.
A gel bait program works the other way. Cockroaches feed on small dabs of bait in their hiding spots and share it with the colony, while a growth regulator stops young from maturing. The follow-up visit catches the next generation as it hatches.
What we treat on a German cockroach job
- Cupboard hinges and drawer runners
- Dishwasher, fridge and microwave voids
- Under the sink and around plumbing
- Kickboards and cracks in splashbacks
- Wall voids and electrical fittings (dust)
- Monitoring traps to track progress
Our process
How our cockroach program works
- Inspect and confirm the species. We check kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and appliances, and place monitoring traps.
- Treat the harbourages. Gel bait and a growth regulator in cracks and hinges, and dust in voids where needed.
- Explain what happens next. More cockroaches may appear for a few days as they come out and die. Leave the gel in place.
- Follow up in about two to three weeks. We check the traps and treat any newly hatched cockroaches.
- Hygiene and proofing advice. Sealing cracks, fixing leaks and managing cardboard deliveries so they do not come back.
Apartments and strata: German cockroaches move between units, so treating one unit alone often fails. We can work with your strata manager to treat affected and neighbouring units together.
Pricing
Cockroach control prices
Fixed prices, GST included, with the follow-up visit already in the price for German cockroaches.
| Service | Unit or apartment | 3-bedroom house | 4-bedroom or double-storey |
|---|---|---|---|
| German cockroach program (2 visits) | from $229 | from $289 | from $349 |
| General pest treatment (American and Australian cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, ants) | from $189 | from $249 | from $299 |
See every price on our pest control pricing page.
Before we arrive
How to prepare
- Empty the cupboard under the sink and any cupboards with activity
- Clear benchtops and move small appliances slightly away from the wall
- Put food, cutlery and plates away in sealed containers or drawers
- Cover fish tanks and switch off air pumps
- Pick up pet food and water bowls
- Keep cardboard boxes out of the kitchen after treatment
FAQ
Cockroach control questions
Why am I seeing more cockroaches after treatment?
That is common in the first week or two. The bait and dust draw cockroaches out of their hiding spots before they die, so you see more of them for a short time. Do not wipe away the gel, and let us know if activity has not dropped after 14 days.
Can I use a bug bomb or fogger for German cockroaches?
We do not recommend it. Foggers settle on open surfaces and do not reach the cracks, hinges and appliance voids where German cockroaches live. They can also scatter the population into walls and neighbouring units, making treatment harder.
Are cockroaches a health risk?
Cockroaches can carry bacteria onto food and surfaces, and their droppings and shed skins are a known trigger for allergies and asthma. That is why kitchens, food businesses and childcare settings treat them as a priority.
Do I need to leave the house?
For a gel bait program, usually not. If we also treat skirtings or voids, stay off treated areas until they are dry, normally a few hours. We confirm re-entry times for the products used on the day.
How did German cockroaches get into my home?
Most arrive as hitchhikers in cardboard boxes, grocery deliveries, second-hand appliances and furniture. In apartments they also move between units through shared walls, service risers and bin rooms.
What does the cockroach warranty cover?
The German cockroach program is covered for 3 months, including both visits and extra top-ups if activity continues. Keeping benches clear and cupboards emptied before each visit is part of the deal.
Book cockroach control
Tell us where you are seeing them, or text us a photo, and we will confirm the species and give you a fixed price.
Mon to Sat, 7am to 6pm · Licensed and insured · GST-inclusive prices