Cockroach control in Den Bosch: which species?
In Dutch homes and kitchens it is usually the German cockroach (Duitse kakkerlak). It is light brown, about one and a half centimetres long, with two dark stripes on the shield just behind the head. It loves warmth and moisture and hides behind the cooker, under the dishwasher and near a fridge motor. You rarely see it by day; it is mostly active at night.
In damp cellars, crawl spaces and near drains, the Oriental cockroach sometimes appears. It is bigger, dark brown to black and slower. Because the two species choose different hiding places, we first establish which one we are dealing with.
Signs of a cockroach infestation
Cockroaches leave more traces than you might think. Look especially in places that are warm and dark.
- tiny black specks, like ground pepper or coffee grounds, in drawers, hinges and corners
- brown, oblong egg cases behind appliances or in cupboards
- shed skins around the worktop or in the meter cupboard
- a penetrating, musty odour when there are many
- cockroaches out in daylight – a sign the hiding places are full
If in doubt, put a sticky trap behind the fridge. Whatever is on it the next morning says a lot.
How our cockroach treatment works
We start with a thorough torchlight inspection: behind and under appliances, in cupboard joints, around pipes and in the meter cupboard. Monitoring traps show where most of the insects are. Then we apply gel bait in small dots, exactly where the cockroaches hide and travel. They eat it, return to their hiding place and pass it on to others there.
We prefer not to spray, because that makes cockroaches move to other rooms or to the neighbours. On a follow-up visit we check the traps and top up the bait where needed. You can read more about how we handle other pests on our pest control in Den Bosch page.
How cockroaches get in
Cockroaches rarely just walk in through the front door. Usually they are carried in: in cardboard boxes, crates and deliveries, in a second-hand fridge or microwave, or in a bag after a trip. In flats and commercial buildings they then spread through shared service shafts, cable ducts and cracks in walls. Warmth, moisture and food scraps make them stay and multiply. A dripping tap or a damp cupboard under the sink is enough to keep them going.
What to do yourself – and what not to
Make life difficult for them. Wash up in the evening, sweep up crumbs, clean grease from behind the cooker and under appliances, and don't leave a pet's food bowl out. Store food in sealed containers and put cardboard outside as soon as possible. Seal gaps along pipes and skirting boards and fix leaks.
Don't use a bug bomb or fogger from the shop: it drives the insects deeper into the walls or into the home next door. Don't spray over gel bait either, because they will stop eating it. Where cockroaches find food, mice often follow; read more under mouse control.
