Cockroach Control in Sydney

There are two kinds of cockroach problem in Sydney homes, and they're handled differently. Large cockroaches are covered by my general pest treatment. Small (German) cockroaches need a different treatment, so call me for those.

Large or small?

Large cockroaches are the big ones, usually dark brown or reddish brown, that wander in from the garden, drains or the roof space. You tend to see them one at a time, often at night.

Small (German) cockroaches are small and light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. They live and breed indoors, mostly in kitchens, and if you're seeing them you're usually seeing a lot of them.

If you're not sure which you've got, send me a photo.

Large cockroaches: the general treatment

Large cockroaches are covered by a general pest treatment, along with spiders and ants.

General pest treatments come with a 6-month guarantee covering cockroaches, spiders and ants.

More on what's covered on my pest control page.

Small (German) cockroaches: call me

German cockroaches aren't covered by a general treatment. They need a different treatment and are quoted separately. Call me and we'll work out what's needed.

Signs of cockroaches

• Seeing them, especially at night, or one running when you switch on a light.
• Droppings. Small dark specks, like pepper or coffee grounds, in cupboards, drawers and along shelves.
• Egg cases. Small brown capsules in corners, behind appliances or in cupboards.
• A musty smell in cupboards when there are a lot of them.

Where they hide

Cockroaches like it dark, warm and close to food and water. The usual spots:

• Behind and under the fridge, dishwasher and stove
• Under the kitchen sink, around the pipes
• In the cracks around cupboards and skirting
• In drains, the subfloor and the roof space (large cockroaches)
• In bathrooms and laundries, around plumbing

What I treat on the day

Large cockroaches come in from the outside and hide in the subfloor and roof, so the general treatment covers all of it:

• Outside: I spray along the exterior walls, around the windows and doors, the eaves and the fence line, plus garages and sheds.
• Subfloor: I dust it through the vents, or through the subfloor door if there are no vents.
• Roof: I dust the roof space from a ladder.
• Inside: I spray along all the skirting boards.

Before I arrive

• Pets: keep them away from the spray while it dries. Taking them for a walk for an hour is easiest.
• Washing: don't hang any on the line.
• Dog bowls: bring them inside, away from the areas being sprayed.
• Skirting boards: clear anything stacked against them so I can get to them.

Keeping them away after

The treatment does the heavy lifting. A few things help it last:

• Wipe up crumbs and spills, and don't leave dishes out overnight
• Keep food in sealed containers
• Fix dripping taps and leaks
• Keep drains covered and clear

Common questions

How much does cockroach control cost?
Large cockroaches are covered by my general pest treatment: within 7 km of Earlwood it's $270 single storey or $300 two storey. Beyond 7 km, add $50 to each.

Do you treat German cockroaches?
They aren't covered by the general treatment and need a different treatment. Call me and we'll sort out what's needed.

Is there a guarantee on cockroach treatment?
General pest treatments come with a 6-month guarantee covering cockroaches, spiders and ants.

How do I tell German cockroaches from large ones?
German cockroaches are small and light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head, and mostly live in kitchens. If you're not sure, send me a photo.