Cockroach Control

Remove all dead cockroaches after treatment as females may be carrying eggs that could still hatch.

​Below you will find information about:

• Common cockroaches found in New Zealand, and where they are commonly found.
• Our treatment methods, including cost and pre-treatment preparation required.
• Health and safety precautions when we are carrying out treatment at your property.
• How to prevent future infestations.

​Common Cockroaches Found in New Zealand 
Cockroaches are flat beetle-like insects that are often associated with human habitation. The pest species are well adapted to live in and around homes and other buildings. Below we identify common cockroaches found in New Zealand, how they can be identified, and where they are usually found. 

Roaches prefer warm, moist and sheltered areas close to food and water. They can, however, survive in extremes of heat (e.g. bakers ovens), extremes of cold (e.g. deep freezes), and withstand over 2000 times more radiation than human beings and still reproduce and adapt.
 
German Cockroaches
Brown in colour with two dark stripes running down the length of the thorax (body segment near the head). German Cockroaches are fast breeders having 3-4 generations per year, with maturity from egg to adult occurring in summer in as little as 40 days. They are often found in kitchens and sculleries in areas that are warm and moist such as behind ovens, fridges, freezers, and under sinks. If German Cockroaches are found in other areas of a house it usually indicates a large population.

American Cockroaches
American Cockroaches are up to 4 cm long and have a yellow band around the thorax. American Cockroaches mature much slower than German Cockroaches taking 6-12 months to mature from egg to adult. However, a female may lay as many as 50 egg cases containing as many as 25 eggs each so nymph numbers can rise rapidly in certain conditions. In warm climates of the North Island, American Cockroaches can live outdoors as well as indoors. They will live in drier conditions of wall cavities and sub-floors, but are often found around sewers and drains. If they move from sewers to food or food preparation areas they can spread disease organisms.
 
Gisborne Cockroaches
Commonly associated with people, and can be distinguished from the German Cockroach by its distinct pale stripes down either side. The native Bush Cockroach can be mistaken for the Gisborne Cockroach, but the Bush Cockroaches stripes are less distinct and it is much smaller than the adult Gisborne Cockroach.
 
Native Bush Cockroaches
Native Bush Cockroaches are small (up to 15 mm) cockroaches that live in leaf litter and dark, damp places in the bush and gardens. They are not usually regarded as pests but will wander indoors on occasions.

Prices
Prices start from $99+GST. Additional costs may apply depending on the type of treatment, the level of infestation, problem areas, and expected warranty. Every place is different - we may treat your property once and you may have very successful results, or you might need ongoing maintenance for heavy infestations. This is why inspection prior to treatment is so important. so please call to discuss levels of infestation and size of property.

If you have a heavy infestation, or require ongoing maintenance to prevent future infestations, consider our family package deals. We can also design a program specifically for your property to suit the severity of infestation on your and your neighbouring properties. Persistence, patience, and prevention is the key for effective, ongoing pest control.

Treatment and Treatment Methods

Baiting
We use bait as a spot treatment method in areas where cockroaches have been seen, particularly when treating for German Cockroaches.
 
Residual Spray Treatment
We spray a residual spray treatment comprised of insecticide and insect growth regulators into cracks and crevices. This treatment penetrates into the nooks and crannies where cockroaches hide, around and behind ovens, washers, fridges, freezers, and cupboards. 
 
Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring will give early indication and control of any re-infestation. Because the baits do not contain a toxin and are certified organic, they can safely be used in sensitive areas such as kitchens, pantries, and other areas where food is handled or stored.

Treatment Health & Safety Precautions
Our chosen treatment methods are safe to use, however, there are precautions you must take during treatment to ensure your and your family’s health and safety.
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Interior Spray Treatments
The premise will need to be vacated during treatment, and for a ‘stand down’ period of a minimum of 3-hours before returning to the premises. 

Pre-treatment preparation is required for interior spray treatments which includes:

• Washing down surfaces to remove dust and dirt before we treat. Also, if the areas to be treated are dusty or greasy it is good practice to clean these down first to prevent runs and ensure the best effectiveness of treatment.
• Removing clutter from the area(s) to be treated.
• Removing all pets from the premises (excluding fish tanks, however, these do need to be covered and the pump turned off).
• Pulling furniture away from walls.
• Covering any food, utensils, food preparation surfaces, toys, bedding, and any other items which are within the treatment area(s) to avoid over-spray from settling on unwanted surfaces. 

Interior Bait Treatments
No pre-treatment preparation is required when only a bait treatment method is required. Baits will be laid discreetly as gel spots or liquid in bait stations around the property where ant trails are found. Bait treatments also do not require vacation of the property during treatment, nor a ‘stand down’ period to return to the property following treatment.

Prevention
To prevent future infestations:

• Eliminate food and water sources.
• Clean up at the end of the day - put all food in sealed containers, fridge, or freezers, and remove garbage in sealed bags.
• Treatment of a cockroach infestation can be difficult because the eggs and egg cases are often laid in difficult to treat cracks and crevices. Egg cases also provide protection from insecticides. Therefore, it is important that treatment is maintained for at least three months after you stop seeing cockroaches. With persistence and patience you can get rid of cockroaches and keep them away.
• Fill in cracks and crevices that give cockroaches dark, moist places to hide during the day.