We have some bad news. There is a chance that the giant cockroach you found is not the only one in your home. The little guy might have come from a nest hidden deep within your house, where hundreds (maybe thousands) of fellow cockroaches are waiting to explore your space. So, how can you get rid of cockroaches at home? We have some tips to help.

How do cockroaches reproduce?

One of the reasons we find roaches in groups is because they multiply abnormally fast. Each female cockroach can give birth to at least 400 baby roaches during an average lifetime. Those babies grow up quickly and can reproduce alarmingly soon.

How to control cockroaches at home

When dealing with a cockroach infestation, the first thing you should do is identify their nest. Make sure to investigate dark areas of your home where there is no vibration or noise. There are three main species of cockroaches found in South Africa - American, German, and Brown Banded.

The American Cockroach: These roaches like dark, humid and undisturbed areas such as subfloors, basements, kitchens, roof voids and bathrooms. Outside they can live in drains and sewers and fly into your home when it gets warmer in summer.

The German Cockroach: German cockroaches like wet and humid spaces, like those found in kitchens and bathrooms in homes and buildings.

The Brown Banded Cockroach: These cockroaches are typically found in warmer, drier areas, such as upper cabinets. They often hide their egg cases in furniture.

In the case of American cockroaches and German cockroaches, you'll most likely find their nests near plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens, within cracks in cupboards, under drawers and inside or underneath appliances. You may also notice cockroach droppings around the nest's location, or your nose can help you sniff it out - most cockroach nests have a strong, foul odour.

If you have only a handful of cockroaches to get rid of, a spray can be the best option. Mortein Instant Power Aersosol is designed to kill cockroaches immediately. As soon as you spot a cockroach scurrying about your home, all you will need to do is shake the can and aim directly at the cockroach to kill it quickly and effectively.

But, if you have a severe roach problem on your hands, you will need to learn how to kill cockroaches en-mass, and you may even need to call in an exterminator.

How to get rid of cockroaches in the kitchen

One of the main reasons cockroaches may venture out of their hiding spot is to scavenge for food or water. This means your kitchen is likely to be their prime target.

They are foragers, so it is better to stack all your food in sealed containers, ensuring you do not leave open packets on your counter or in your pantry. Make sure you get rid of food and drink spills, too, and wipe down surfaces, so they are dry before you go to bed (roaches are nocturnal creatures!). Make sure to throw away your rubbish too – roaches are not fussy about eating fresh food.

How to get rid of cockroaches forever

Mortein’s pest control products are highly effective at getting rid of cockroaches in your home. But, the best way to get rid of cockroaches forever is by preventing them from gaining access to your home in the first place.

Arm your home with Mortein Easy Reach Surface Spray and Mortein Instant Power Aerosol to tackle a cockroach issue in your home.