I've spent 12 years dealing with cockroaches in South East Queensland, and I'm licensed and insured (QBCC 15076438). You get a fixed quote before I start.
German or Australian cockroaches?
First I work out which one you've got, because it changes the whole plan.
German cockroaches
German cockroaches are small, around 1.5 centimetres, light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. They live indoors, mostly in kitchens and bathrooms, close to food, water and warmth. You'll see them around the dishwasher, under the sink, in hinge gaps and inside appliances like the microwave or coffee machine.
They breed quickly, and a female carries her egg case until it's close to hatching, which protects the eggs from a lot of surface sprays. If you're seeing them during the day, the population is usually well established. German cockroach treatment needs patience and follow-up, and they're a common problem in units and rentals where kitchens back onto each other.
Australian and American cockroaches
The larger cockroaches, up to 3 to 4 centimetres, are the ones most people picture. Australian cockroaches have pale yellow markings behind the head and along the wing edges. American cockroaches are reddish brown. Both mainly live outside in garden mulch, drains, sub-floors, roof voids and leaf litter.
They come inside at night, often after rain or on warm evenings, but rarely set up home in your cupboards. So the treatment focuses on the outside and the entry points.
How I treat cockroaches
Every cockroach treatment starts with a look around. I check the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and any spots you've noticed them, then the outside of the house. I look for droppings (they look like ground pepper or coffee grounds), egg cases, shed skins and the musty smell that comes with heavy activity.
For German cockroaches, the main tool is gel bait. I place small dots into the cracks and crevices they live in: hinge gaps, the back of drawers, behind kickboards and around plumbing. Cockroaches eat the gel and spread it to others where they shelter, so it reaches ones you'll never see. A follow-up visit catches the young that hatch after the first round.
For the larger outdoor species, I apply an external perimeter treatment around the house, focusing on weep holes, drains, sub-floor vents and door frames. I also treat roof voids and sub-floors where they're harbouring.
Most homes get both, as part of a general pest control treatment that covers ants, spiders and silverfish too.
Why sprays alone often fail
Surface sprays kill the cockroaches they touch and scare the rest deeper into wall cavities. Spraying near bait can also put cockroaches off feeding on it. If you've been using bombs or aerosols, tell me when I arrive so I can plan around it.
Commercial kitchens
Commercial kitchens are one of my specialties. Cafes, takeaways and restaurants give German cockroaches everything they want: warmth from equipment, water, food scraps and lots of places to hide inside stainless steel benches and motor housings.
I work around your trading hours and focus on baiting the places cockroaches live, such as fridge seals, under cooking lines and around dishwashers. I'll point out the hygiene and maintenance issues I find, because a gap behind a splashback or a leaking tap will undo a treatment fast. For ongoing service contracts and other business types, see my commercial pest control page.
- QBCC licence 15076438
- Termatrac iTracker
- 12-month internal warranty
- 12 years licensed
Keeping them out after treatment
A treatment knocks the numbers down. What happens afterwards decides how quickly they come back, and these habits help most:
- Wipe benches and sweep floors each night, including crumbs that fall beside the stove and fridge
- Fix dripping taps and leaks under sinks
- Store pantry food in sealed containers
- Take rubbish out daily and keep bin lids closed
- Check grocery boxes and second-hand appliances before bringing them inside
- Seal gaps around pipes and cables where they come through walls
Don't clean away the gel bait spots for a couple of weeks. I've written a longer guide on how to get rid of cockroaches in Brisbane that covers prevention in more detail.
What affects the cost of cockroach treatment
People often ask how much is pest control for roaches. I don't publish set prices because the job varies a lot. These are the things that set the price:
- Whether it's German cockroaches inside or larger species from outside
- How established the infestation is
- The size of the home or premises
- Whether it's a house, unit or commercial kitchen
- Whether a follow-up visit is needed (common with German cockroaches)
I'll inspect or talk it through with you, then give you a fixed quote before I start.
Google reviews
See what Logan and Brisbane customers say about Jon.
Robyn
2 years ago
Had the pleasure of meeting Jon today. Very professional, affordable and an amazing service. I would 100% recommend to anyone who needs pest management
Lily Petersen
4 years ago
Jon was professional and prompt with his service and very easy to deal with .He is very honest and very efficient .Nothing is too big a problem and he also is very obliging. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jon and his business and will continue to use him and his services when required.
Rebekah Kelly
4 years ago
We recently had Jon out to do a termite inspection and pest control. The cost was slightly more than we have paid for others but after having him out we think it was well worth it. We were impressed with his services and booked him to do a termite protection barrier. He was on time for both services and we found him to be both friendly and professional. We had a small problem with a pipe after the termite protection but Jon was out within half an hour and sorted the whole issue out for us. Would highly recommend using Deadset and we will be using them again.
Cockroach questions
How long does cockroach control take to work?
Gel baits start working within days, but you'll often see more cockroaches for the first week as they come out of hiding. A German cockroach problem usually takes a few weeks to bring under control, and a follow-up visit helps catch any that hatch from eggs after the first treatment.
Why do I still see cockroaches after the treatment?
Affected cockroaches move around more before they die, so seeing some in the first week or two is normal. If numbers haven't dropped after a few weeks, call me and I'll check it.
Do cockroaches mean my house is dirty?
No. Clean homes get cockroaches too, especially larger outdoor species after rain. German cockroaches often arrive in boxes, appliances or from neighbouring units. Good hygiene does help keep numbers down after treatment.
Is cockroach treatment safe for kids and pets?
Gel bait goes into cracks and crevices that children and pets can't reach, which is one reason it suits kitchens. I follow Queensland Government guidelines and product labels and will tell you how long to keep everyone off treated areas.
Do you do cockroach control in Logan units?
Yes. I treat units and townhouses across Logan. German cockroaches can move between units through shared walls and plumbing, so treating one unit on its own may not be enough. I'm happy to talk to body corporates about treating a whole block.
Do I need to empty my kitchen cupboards?
For a German cockroach treatment, it helps to clear the cupboards under the sink and around the stove so I can get bait into the right spots. I'll let you know what to move when you book.
Can you treat a cafe or restaurant outside trading hours?
I can arrange a time that works around your service, often early morning or after close, so the kitchen isn't disrupted.
How often should I have cockroach treatment?
Most homes are fine with an annual general pest treatment. Commercial kitchens and homes with a history of German cockroaches usually need more regular service.
Book cockroach control in Brisbane
Seeing cockroaches in your kitchen, bathroom or business? Call me on 0412 205 586 or request a quote for cockroach control in Brisbane, cockroach control in Logan, and nearby suburbs. After hours, text 0412 205 586 with a good time to call back.