Cockroach control in Enschede: which species?
In Dutch homes and kitchens it is nearly always the German cockroach: small, light brown and recognisable by two dark stripes running lengthways behind the head. It loves warmth and moisture and is mainly active at night. In cellars, crawl spaces and around drains you may also come across the larger oriental cockroach, which is dark brown to black. Signs to look for:
- black specks resembling ground pepper or coffee grounds in the corners of cupboards and drawers
- small brown egg cases behind appliances or under the sink
- empty shed skins and, with a larger infestation, a musty, oily smell
- live insects darting away when you switch the light on in the evening
How cockroaches get in and where they hide
Cockroaches seldom just walk in. Usually they are carried in: inside a second-hand fridge or microwave, in cardboard boxes from a supplier or shop, or in a bag after a trip. In blocks of flats they move from home to home via service shafts, gaps around heating pipes and behind skirting boards.
Once inside, they crawl into the warmest, darkest spots they can find: behind and under the fridge, in the motor compartment of the dishwasher, under the sink, inside the coffee machine and in the joints of the kitchen units. You will not see them there during the day, and that is exactly where control has to happen.
How we carry out cockroach control
During the inspection we shine a strong torch into every crack and, where useful, set sticky monitoring traps to see where activity is highest. We then apply gel bait in small drops, right on their runs and next to their hiding places. Cockroaches feed on it and carry it back to their harbourage, where others come into contact with it too. If necessary we add professional products that only certified pest controllers may use.
An egg case protects the eggs from insecticides, so a new generation hatches after a while. A follow-up visit is therefore part of doing the job properly. We also advise on sealing cracks and cleaning. This step-by-step method – inspect, prevent, treat precisely – is at the heart of our pest control in Enschede.
Clean, but don't spray
What you do yourself strengthens the treatment. Do not leave dishes, crumbs or open rubbish out overnight, wipe the sink dry before bed and keep food and pet food in tightly closing containers.
Please avoid aerosol sprays. They only kill the insects you can see, drive the rest deeper into cracks and can make the gel bait less attractive. Do not wipe away the bait drops we have applied when you clean, either. And never bring second-hand appliances or furniture into the house without checking them carefully first, especially around the motor and underneath.
Why acting quickly pays off
German cockroaches breed fast, and the female carries her egg case with her until the eggs are almost ready to hatch. As a result, a handful of insects behind the fridge can quietly grow into an infestation that spreads to other rooms and even next door.
Cockroaches walk over rubbish and through drains, then across your worktop. They can spread bacteria, and their droppings and shed skins can worsen allergies or asthma in sensitive people. If you also see small rodent droppings in the same kitchen, take a look at our mouse control page; we can then deal with both in a single plan.
