What to Expect During a German Cockroach Treatment
German cockroaches are primarily indoor pests and are commonly found in kitchens and other areas where food, warmth and moisture are available. They can hide in very small cracks and concealed areas, including around cupboards and appliances, making a thorough inspection and targeted treatment important.
German cockroach treatment begins with identifying where activity is occurring and locating the areas where cockroaches are harbouring. Depending on the infestation, treatment may involve professional gel baits, dusts and targeted applications to appropriate areas around cupboards, appliances, cracks and other harbourage locations.
This guide explains what to expect before, during and after your German cockroach treatment, how your technician may assess and treat the infestation, and practical steps that can help reduce future activity.
01
Booking Information
Booking and Treatment Time
German cockroach treatments generally take approximately one hour, although treatment time can vary depending on the level of infestation, the size of the treatment area and the number of harbourage areas requiring attention.
Your scheduled booking time is an arrival window. For example, if your arrival window is between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon, your technician may arrive at any time during that period. Please allow additional time after the arrival window for the treatment to be completed.
Before Your Appointment
When booking your treatment, let Surekill know where you have noticed German cockroaches and which areas have the most activity. If possible, leave the affected areas as they are so your technician can assess where the cockroaches are harbouring and travelling.
Weather Conditions
German cockroach treatments are generally carried out indoors and are therefore not usually affected by weather conditions.
Licensed and Insured Technicians
Surekill Pest Control is fully insured, and our pest management technicians are appropriately licensed and follow relevant EPA requirements and product label directions when carrying out German cockroach treatments.
Free Service Period
Your German cockroach treatment includes a three-month free service period. If you continue to experience German cockroach activity during this period, contact Surekill Pest Control so we can discuss the activity and arrange further treatment where applicable.
Payment Options
Payment can be made by EFT/bank transfer, cash, EFTPOS or credit card. Payment is required before treatment commences.
02
How to Prepare for a German Cockroach Treatment
Leave the Affected Areas as They Are
No major cleaning or preparation is required before your technician arrives. Where practical, leave areas with German cockroach activity as they are so your technician can see where cockroaches are harbouring and travelling.
Do Not Empty Cupboards
Unless Surekill has specifically asked you to do so, there is no need to empty kitchen cupboards before the inspection. Your technician will advise if any items need to be moved before treatment is applied.
Note Where Activity Has Been Seen
Take note of where you have been seeing German cockroaches, particularly around cupboards, sinks, refrigerators, dishwashers and other appliances. Let your technician know if activity is more noticeable at particular times or in particular areas.
Keep Access Available
Ensure your technician can access the kitchen and any other areas where German cockroach activity has been noticed, including around appliances and cabinetry where practical.
03
Before Treatment
Discuss the German Cockroach Activity
When your technician arrives, show them where you have been seeing German cockroaches and explain where activity is most noticeable. Your technician will inspect the affected areas and assess likely harbourage and breeding locations before determining the appropriate treatment.
Leave Cupboards and Affected Areas Accessible
Keep cupboards, drawers, appliances and other areas where activity has been noticed accessible for your technician. Do not remove everything unless your technician advises that items need to be moved for treatment.
Pets
Remove pets from treatment areas and remove their food and water bowls before treatment begins.
Air Conditioning
Turn off air-conditioning and ventilation systems before treatment where requested by your technician.
Chemical Sensitivities
Tell Surekill before treatment if anyone at the property has a known chemical sensitivity. People with chemical sensitivities should remain away from treated areas for 24 hours, or until the treatment has completely dried and the area has been adequately ventilated, whichever is longer.
Follow Your Technician's Instructions
Once the inspection is complete, your technician will explain any additional preparation required before treatment begins. This may include moving particular items where access is required around cupboards, appliances or other identified harbourage areas.
04
German Cockroach Treatment Process
Targeted Treatment
Following the inspection, your technician will determine the appropriate treatment based on the level of German cockroach activity and the harbourage areas identified. Treatment is targeted to locations where cockroaches are living, breeding and travelling.
Gel Bait Application
Professional cockroach gel may be applied in small amounts to suitable locations inside cupboards, around appliances and other areas where German cockroaches are active. The placement of the gel allows cockroaches to feed on the bait while minimising unnecessary product application.
Dust Treatment
Where appropriate, insecticidal dust may be applied to cracks, crevices, around or beneath appliances and other concealed harbourage areas. These locations can include areas around refrigerators and dishwashers where German cockroaches commonly hide.
Targeted Spray Treatment
Where required, a targeted spray treatment may be applied to appropriate areas such as skirting boards, kitchen kickboards and other locations where German cockroaches are harbouring or travelling.
Cupboards and Appliances
Particular attention may be given to cupboards and areas around appliances because German cockroaches can harbour in small cracks and concealed spaces close to food, warmth and moisture.
Treatment Based on the Infestation
Not every German cockroach infestation requires exactly the same combination of treatments. Your technician will select and apply the appropriate treatment methods according to the activity found and the conditions at the property.
05
After Your German Cockroach Treatment
Re-Entry After Treatment
Keep people and pets away from treated areas until the products have dried and any re-entry instructions provided by your technician have been followed.
Cockroach Activity After Treatment
You may notice dead, dying or slow-moving German cockroaches after treatment as the products take effect. Some activity may continue while cockroaches emerge from concealed harbourage areas.
Dispose of Dead Cockroaches
Remove and dispose of dead cockroaches when you find them. This also helps you monitor whether cockroach activity is decreasing following treatment. Your existing Surekill instructions specifically advise disposing of dead cockroaches promptly.
Kitchen and Cupboard Care
Avoid cleaning treated areas inside cupboards until advised by your technician, as cleaning may remove or interfere with treatment products. Benches and floors can be cleaned once the treatment has dried, while avoiding treated cracks, crevices and other targeted areas.
Monitor German Cockroach Activity
Continue watching for German cockroaches, particularly around cupboards, sinks, refrigerators, dishwashers and other areas where activity was previously found. Note where and how often you see them.
Further Activity
If German cockroach activity continues, contact Surekill Pest Control and let us know what you are seeing. Your treatment includes a three-month free service period, and further treatment can be arranged where applicable.
06
How to Keep German Cockroaches Away
Reduce Food Sources
Store food in sealed containers and clean up crumbs, spills and food residue promptly. Avoid leaving dirty dishes or pet food out overnight, and regularly clean benches, cupboards and areas around appliances.
Reduce Water and Moisture
Repair leaking taps, pipes and appliances and reduce unnecessary moisture around sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators. These areas can provide favourable conditions for German cockroaches.
Keep Kitchens and Storage Areas Clean
Regularly clean cupboards, drawers, kickboards and hard-to-reach areas around appliances. Reduce unnecessary clutter that can provide concealed harbourage for German cockroaches.
Seal Cracks and Gaps
Seal suitable cracks and gaps around cupboards, skirting boards, walls and plumbing penetrations to reduce potential harbourage areas.
Manage Rubbish
Use bins with secure lids and empty them regularly. Clean food residue from recyclable containers and avoid allowing rubbish or food waste to accumulate.
Check Items Before Bringing Them Inside
German cockroaches can be introduced into a property with boxes, groceries and appliances. Check cardboard boxes, deliveries and second-hand appliances before bringing them into the home or business.
Watch for Early Signs of Activity
Continue monitoring kitchens and other susceptible areas for German cockroaches, droppings, egg cases or other signs of activity. Identifying renewed activity early can help prevent a developing infestation from becoming established.
Ongoing Pest Risk Management
For homes or businesses requiring ongoing pest management, Surekill can develop a tailored Risk Management Program based on the property's individual pest risks, environmental conditions and ongoing management requirements.
