Cockroach control in Arnhem: targeted and followed up
Cockroaches are rarely where you see them. They shelter in the warmth behind the fridge, under the dishwasher, inside the motor housing of appliances, in cable trunking and behind loose skirting. During the inspection we search those spots with a torch and, where needed, put down small sticky monitors to see where activity is highest.
We then apply a professional gel in tiny drops in cracks and joints along their routes. Cockroaches feed on it and carry it back to their hiding place, where others come into contact with it too. A follow-up visit is almost always needed, because eggs that have already been laid hatch later. In between, we seal gaps around pipes.
How to recognise cockroaches
The species you are most likely to meet in Dutch kitchens is the German cockroach: golden brown, about as long as a fingernail, with two dark stripes on the shield behind the head. Other clues:
- Droppings like fine black grains, similar to ground pepper, in corners and drawers.
- Brown, oblong egg cases, sometimes still attached to a female.
- A musty, slightly sweet smell in cupboards.
- Empty shed skins around their hiding places.
If you see them during the day too, the colony is usually already large. The bigger, darker oriental cockroach prefers cool, damp cellars and crawl spaces.
How cockroaches get in
Cockroaches rarely walk in from outside; they are carried in. Cardboard boxes from a wholesaler or delivery service, a second-hand fridge or microwave, or a bag from an infested home are the classic routes. Once inside, the warmth of appliances and pipes gives them everything they need: food scraps, moisture and dark crevices.
In blocks of flats they spread to other homes through service shafts and pipe openings. Where crumbs, open rubbish and pet food are left out, rodents are never far away either; read more about that under mouse control.
Why sprays often make things worse
A spray kills the insects you hit, but the rest retreat deeper, to the neighbours or another room. Insect spray also makes the gel we apply unattractive to them. So stop spraying once treatment has begun, and don't wipe away the dots of gel.
- Clear away food straight away and store it in sealed containers.
- Don't leave dishes or open rubbish out, especially overnight.
- Have dripping taps and leaking drains repaired; cockroaches need water.
- Empty the cupboard under the sink so we can get to it.
Cockroaches in restaurants and commercial kitchens
In a restaurant, takeaway or staff canteen, a cockroach problem is more than a nuisance: it affects food safety and the reputation of your business. We prefer to visit outside opening hours and work discreetly, so guests notice as little as possible. During the inspection we also look at storage, the bin area and how deliveries come in.
Brief your staff on what to look out for and check boxes on delivery. In buildings where several businesses or homes share a wall or shaft, a joint approach works best. For other pests on your premises, our pest control in Arnhem serves businesses and households alike.
