Cockroach control in Peshawar

Which cockroaches are common?

• German cockroach: small (about 1.5 cm), light brown with two dark stripes behind the head. Lives indoors in kitchens, appliances and cupboards and breeds very fast.
• American cockroach: large (3–4 cm), reddish-brown. Lives in drains, sewers, motor rooms and basements and enters from outside.
• Oriental cockroach: dark, shiny, prefers cool damp areas such as drains and under floors.

Signs of infestation

• Cockroaches seen at night, or in the day in heavy infestations.
• Small dark droppings like pepper or coffee grounds in drawers and corners.
• Egg cases (oothecae) in hinges, cracks and behind appliances.
• A persistent musty odour.

Health risks

Cockroaches move between drains, waste and food. They can carry bacteria associated with food poisoning and diarrhoea, and their droppings and shed skins are a recognised trigger of allergies and asthma, especially in children.

Common causes

• Food residue, grease and open food or waste overnight.
• Moisture: leaking taps, wet sinks and drains.
• Cracks around pipes, cabinets and tiles that provide shelter.
• Bringing in infested cartons, second-hand appliances or furniture.

Inspection

We check kitchens, bathrooms, drains, motor rooms, appliances and storage, identify the species, and estimate how widespread the activity is. For German cockroaches we pay particular attention to appliances and cabinet hinges.

Treatment methods

• Gel baits placed as small spots in cracks and hiding places, away from food surfaces.
• Crack-and-crevice treatment with a suitable residual product where baits alone are not enough.
• Drain and motor-room treatment for American cockroaches entering from outside.
• Insect growth regulators where appropriate, to break the breeding cycle.
• Proofing and hygiene plan: sealing gaps around pipes and practical cleaning steps.
• Follow-up to check bait uptake and treat any remaining activity, where the plan requires it.

Suppression and elimination: heavy German cockroach infestations usually need more than one visit and good hygiene to bring them under control. In buildings connected to shared drains, re-entry from outside is possible, so long-term prevention and monitoring matter as much as the first treatment.

Prevention

• Store food in closed containers and do not leave dishes overnight.
• Fix leaks and keep sinks and floors dry at night.
• Use drain covers and seal gaps around pipes.
• Check cartons and second-hand appliances before bringing them inside.

Safety precautions

• Baits are placed out of reach of children and pets, and away from food preparation surfaces.
• Products are chosen for the target pest and the place being treated, and must be registered or otherwise legally authorised in Pakistan for that use.
• Every application follows the manufacturer's label: dose, method, site and precautions.
• Our team wears protective equipment suited to the product and the task.
• Food, drinking water, utensils, toys, animal feed and aquariums are removed or covered before treatment.
• Children, pets and other occupants follow the precautions we give for that specific treatment.
• Re-entry time depends on the product, formulation, ventilation and surface. We tell you on the day, rather than using one fixed time for every job.
• You receive written post-treatment instructions.

Standards we work to: the WHO guidance on pesticide use for vector and public health pest control, the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, the WHO hazard classification of pesticides, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, together with Pakistan’s pesticide law. See the standards we follow →