Cockroach

Cockroaches are a common household pest in New Zealand. While they are only a mid-level health risk, cockroaches thrive in unhealthy environments, and they can transmit several diseases.

There are over 3,000 different species of cockroaches – some are considered pests while others are beneficial in their natural environment.
The biggest cockroach pests in New Zealand are the American cockroach and the German cockroach.
Their ability to breed rapidly and their resilience means that a professional pest management service is usually the most reliable form of control. Only expert products and solutions are powerful enough to eliminate all stages of their lifecycle.

Where cockroaches live

Cockroaches prefer damp, dark places near food and water, so if you find one during the day, it is a good indication that you have an infestation. They are often found inside walls, behind household appliances and in cupboards. They can survive in extreme conditions for short periods of time.

Cockroaches can survive months without food and up to 4 weeks without water. This makes them exceedingly difficult to get rid of.

While it’s entirely possible for a single cockroach to enter your home unexpectedly, carried in on firewood, for example, the likelihood is that if you spot one in your home, there are others out of sight.

Health risks from cockroaches

Cockroaches can transmit diseases like dysentery, salmonella, and diarrhoea.

Their eating habits also expose humans to dangerous diseases. Cockroaches can eat a range of foods, from faecal matter to fresh food intended for people to eat. If cockroaches contaminate your food or the surfaces you use, you could get sick.

Preventing cockroach infestations

You can reduce your chances of a cockroach infestation by:

filling cracks in walls and foundations
keeping living areas dry and clean
disposing of rubbish
removing human waste and food waste from the home quickly and efficiently.
You can keep cockroach pests out of the house by keeping any shrubs and/or planting away from the house. Native cockroaches often breed in bark gardens.

If you already have cockroaches, you will need to call a professional to set baited traps or apply an insecticide to the area.

Cockroach lifecycle

Cockroaches undergo 3 stages of development: egg, nymph, and adult.

The egg hatches into a nymph, which looks like the adult cockroach. The nymph then undergoes a series of moults before developing into a fully reproductive adult cockroach.

Female cockroaches can lay hundreds of eggs in their lifetime.

Cockroach Treatment & Management

Comprehensive, Systematic Protection

When an infestation occurs, prompt and targeted action is essential. Effective cockroach management requires a sustained, multi-layered approach using industry-leading treatments—including specialized residual sprays, gel baits, granular applications, and monitoring systems. Our qualified technicians will assess your property and select the optimal strategy for your home or business.

Our Treatment Process

Site Assessment & Activity Inspection

Your technician conducts a thorough evaluation of the premises to identify species type, harbourage zones, and entry points.

Exterior Barrier Application

A protective perimeter spray is applied to the exterior foundation to prevent outside pests from entering.

Interior Perimeter Treatment

A targeted residual barrier is applied along key indoor pathways, including baseboards, kickboards, and utility penetrations.

Micro-Baiting & Electrical Equipment Treatment

Sensitive areas, such as kitchen cabinetry, pantries, and motor voids in electrical appliances, are treated with specialized gel baits and insecticidal dusts.

Monitoring & Trap Installation

Strategic monitor traps are placed in high-risk zones to track post-treatment activity.