Getting rid of cockroaches - one of South Africa’s most common home invaders - and preventing their return is easier than you think. All it takes is a combination of keeping your home clean and tidy (which will make it less attractive to cockroaches) and having the right products on hand to deal with those that will inevitably show up.

Cockroaches feed on a diet of rotting garbage and food scraps (and sewage, but we won't go there), so for long-term prevention, it's essential to try to mop up any spills as soon as they happen, keep things tidy (memo to kids) and store your food in sealed containers.

As with all pest protection, be sure to take your rubbish out regularly, and if you have compost bins, keep a close eye on any unwelcome guests enjoying the feast.

For pet owners, cleaning your companions' food bowls every night will stop them from having to share their dinner with a crawling critter. And be sure to keep an eye on what they're playing with on the kitchen floor.

The best remedy for a problem is always to go to the source - in this case, the cockroach nest. So, don your investigative hat and follow the path of any cockroaches that you spot. They tend to congregate in cracks in walls, skirting boards or inside cupboards, and under moveable appliances.

Cardboard boxes are also culprits for unwittingly smuggling cockroaches into the home, especially if they’ve been stored in garages or sheds.

To help you with your quest you need a lethal killer of roaches. We give you Mortein Instant Power Aerosol.