Not all cockroaches are the same, and the type you have changes how you get rid of them. A big cockroach that wandered in from the garden is a nuisance. Small cockroaches running out from behind the dishwasher at night are a sign of an indoor infestation that will keep growing. Here’s how to tell the common Melbourne cockroaches apart, and what actually works.
The 3 cockroaches you’re most likely to see in Melbourne
| German | American | Australian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Small, about 12–15 mm | Large, much bigger than German | Large, about 30–35 mm |
| Look | Light brown, two dark stripes behind the head | Shiny reddish-brown | Reddish-brown with pale yellow edges on the wings |
| Lives | Indoors: kitchens, bathrooms, appliances | Drains, sewers, subfloors, warm damp areas | Mostly outdoors: garden, mulch, leaf litter |
| Problem level | High: breeds fast indoors | Medium: comes in from outside | Lower: usually wanders in |
Why German cockroaches are so hard to get rid of
- They breed very quickly. A female carries an egg case of around 30 to 40 eggs and can produce a new one every few weeks. The young can grow into breeding adults within a couple of months in warm conditions.
- They hide in tight spaces. Hinges, behind kickboards, under the dishwasher, inside microwaves and around the fridge motor are all common hiding spots.
- Sprays scatter them. Supermarket sprays kill the cockroaches you hit, but often drive the rest deeper into walls and appliances, or into the next room or unit.
- They travel with you. They often arrive in cardboard boxes, grocery bags, second-hand appliances and furniture.
Signs of a German cockroach infestation
- Small cockroaches running when you turn the kitchen light on at night
- Very small, almost black young cockroaches (nymphs). Seeing these means eggs have already hatched inside.
- Black, pepper-like droppings in cupboards, drawers and along hinges
- Small brown egg cases in corners and behind appliances
- A musty, oily smell in heavier infestations
Cockroaches in the kitchen?
Cockroach treatment from $199 including GST, with a fixed price before we start.
How professional cockroach treatment works
- Inspection. We find where they’re hiding and breeding, so treatment goes where it counts.
- Targeted gel baits. Baits are placed in cracks, hinges and around appliances. Cockroaches eat the bait and carry it back to their hiding places, reaching ones you never see.
- Treating the right surfaces. We use registered products in the right spots inside and outside, not a blanket spray over your benches.
- Follow-up advice. We’ll tell you what to clean, what to leave alone so the bait keeps working, and how to keep them from coming back.
Read more about our cockroach control in Melbourne.
How to prepare your kitchen before a treatment
- Clear out the cupboard under the sink and any cupboards where you’ve seen cockroaches.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Wipe away grease and crumbs, especially around the stove, toaster and microwave.
- Don’t spray your own insecticide for a few days before or after, as it can stop baits from working.
How to keep cockroaches out
- Don’t leave dirty dishes, pet food or open food out overnight.
- Empty kitchen bins daily and keep lids closed.
- Fix leaking taps and pipes. Cockroaches need water.
- Seal gaps around pipes, under sinks and behind splashbacks.
- Check cardboard boxes and second-hand appliances before bringing them inside.
- Book a general pest treatment once a year, ideally in spring.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have cockroaches in a clean house?
Even clean homes get cockroaches. German cockroaches often arrive in boxes and appliances, and in apartments they can spread between units through walls and pipes. Clean homes just make treatment work faster.
How long does it take to get rid of German cockroaches?
You’ll usually see a big drop in activity within days to a couple of weeks after a professional treatment. Heavier infestations can need a follow-up visit.
Are cockroach treatments safe for kids and pets?
We use APVMA-registered products and gel baits placed in cracks and hidden spots, and we tell you exactly what precautions to take.
How much does cockroach control cost in Melbourne?
Our cockroach treatments start from $199 including GST. See all our prices in our Melbourne pest control cost guide.
Where there are insects, spiders usually follow. Find out which Melbourne spiders are dangerous, or see all of our pest control services.
