General Pests 

COCKROACHES 

How do you identify that you have a problem? 

The  first sign of cockroaches in the home is normally droppings inside cupboards near wet areas such as under the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry sink , and inside the garage amongst stored items like boxes. Activity increases in the warmer months e.g. spring and then you may start seeing them on benches after turning on the light at night. Some species of cockroaches e.g. german cockroaches reproduce rapidly and a female cockroach is capable of producing almost 400 eggs! In a lifetime. This species of cockroach requires a more Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach which Pixel Pest has many years of experience with. Our most valuable asset in solving your pest management needs is communication with our clients. 

Common Signs of cockroaches:-

• Droppings inside cupboards mainly in wet areas or the garage.
• On benchtops looking for food when you turn on the light at night.
• You may find egg capsules (ootheca) stuck inside cupboards. These are small rectangle shaped brown egg capsules.
• Smear marks in/on cupboards from where cockroaches crawl and lay unwanted waste.

When should you call a specialist to take a look? 

As soon as you start seeing any of the above concerns give Pixel Pest Control a call, as the problem can escalate quickly if not treated. Cockroaches, especially German Cockroaches can reproduce very quickly and a few cockroaches seen in the kitchen can quickly escalate into cockroaches throughout the home. Just remember that if pests are undesirable and overstepping their welcome just give Pixel a call.

What damage can Cockroaches cause to a home? 

Cockroaches spread disease and bacteria, contaminating food and utensils. Spread bacteria can cause food poisoning and asthma attacks. Because some cockroaches can reproduce rapidly, over 40 eggs at a time, and mature within 8 weeks, infestations quickly become severe. Damage to electrical wiring in whitegoods, and small electrical equipment e.g. the dishwasher, and inside the microwave,. Cockroaches can cause malfunction and are sometimes not covered under appliance warranty.

What treatments do you offer? 

After an initial site inspection for safety and discussing problem areas with the homeowner, we then outline a treatment plan, some of this is also discussed over the phone prior to our service. Common treatments for cockroaches consist of a localised insecticide dusting of wall voids, and roof space areas with cockroach activity. Surface treatment focusing on the active areas e.g. kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, and garage. Gel baits are also utilised and placed in problem areas for maximum results e.g. under sinks. 

In cases of high activity e.g. German cockroaches follow up visit/s are normally required, this would  be assets after our initial service and a management plan discussed with you. 

What preparation is needed before the treatment?

We kindly ask and recommend the homeowner remove loose items from the floor areas, and along walls e.g. kids toys, cloths, food utensils, pet food bowls, cover fish tanks, ect…, prior to our arrival. In the case of German cockroaches we also require items removed from the kitchen cupboard directly under the sink area, bathroom vanity cabinets, and we may need better access to more areas in extreme cases. If possible any fridges should be moved out from any enclosed locations. Assistance from you in these recommendations will greatly increase chances of a successful treatment, remember communication with our clients is key!. No warranty  is included otherwise.

Pixel Pest Control follows all insecticide label requirements and you need to vacate the home for 2-3 hours, although we discuss our preparation requirements prior to any treatment for the safty of our clients and staff. Please take note of our Common practises below.

How long does it take to complete the treatment?

Generally the treatment takes approx 1-2 hours to complete inside and out depending on the home size. 

How long before they're gone?

It may take up to 14 days before a reduction in cockroaches is seen due to using a a number of different types of treatments. Gel baits are used and encourage cockroaches to come out and consume bait. The slight delay in mortality caused by the active ingredients and surface treatments, allows cockroaches to consume and/or come in content with treatment zones! They then return to the harbourage sites to contaminate other cockroaches resulting in significant reduction in population levels.