To get rid of cockroaches for good, find where they are breeding (usually behind appliances, under sinks and in cupboard hinges), remove food, water and clutter, and use gel baits rather than sprays so roaches carry poison back to the nest. Heavy or German cockroach infestations usually need a professional treatment plus a follow-up two weeks later.
Why do I have cockroaches?
Cockroaches need three things: food, water and somewhere warm and tight to hide. Kitchens and bathrooms supply all three. They arrive in grocery boxes, second-hand appliances and furniture, through drains, or from neighbouring units in blocks of flats.
A few roaches can become hundreds within weeks. A single German cockroach egg case holds around 30 to 40 eggs, and the young can breed within a couple of months.
Step-by-step: how to get rid of cockroaches
- Find the hotspots. Check behind and under the fridge, stove and dishwasher, inside cupboard hinges, under the sink and around the geyser.
- Clean up food sources. Store food in sealed containers, wipe crumbs and grease, and don't leave dishes or pet food out overnight.
- Fix leaks. Dripping taps and damp under-sink cupboards give roaches the water they need.
- Use gel baits, not sprays. Sprays scatter roaches deeper into walls and stop them eating bait.
- Seal gaps. Fill cracks around pipes, skirting and cupboards.
- Follow up. Eggs hatch after treatment, so a second round two weeks later is often needed.
Do home remedies work on cockroaches?
Boric acid, diatomaceous earth and store-bought baits can reduce small numbers, but they rarely clear an established infestation, especially German cockroaches in flats or restaurants. Over-the-counter sprays often make the problem worse by scattering roaches and repelling baits.
When should I call a professional?
Call a professional if you see roaches during the day (a sign of heavy numbers), if they keep coming back after DIY treatment, if you live in a block of flats, or if you run a food business. Professional cockroach control combines targeted gel baiting with residual treatment of hiding places and a planned follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get rid of cockroaches?
Light infestations can be under control within one to two weeks of a professional treatment. Heavy German cockroach infestations usually take two treatments about two weeks apart.
Why are there more cockroaches after treatment?
For a few days after treatment, roaches are flushed out of their hiding places before they die. This is normal and numbers should drop steadily.
Can cockroaches come from my neighbours?
Yes. In flats and complexes, roaches move between units through shared plumbing and electrical ducts, which is why whole-building treatments work best.
Need help now? Cape Shield Fumigation offers cockroach control across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Call or WhatsApp 066 575 0079.