HOW TO DESTROY A COCKROACH NEST

Cockroaches. Even the mere mention of the word is enough to make you shudder in disgust. These tenacious brown creepy crawlies are arguably the most loathed pests in Australian households, but by following a few simple steps you can give cockies an eviction notice for good.

How to get rid of cockroaches

Those who’ve experienced a cockroach infestation will understand that getting rid of a cockroach infestation can be tricky if not dealt with quickly. Of all the household pests, they are the most adaptable and are very good at hiding their presence. If you see a few cockroaches in your home, chances are there are many more crawling around out of view.

Signs of a nest

The first thing to do is investigate. Locate the nest, which is often in a dark area that’s free from vibration and noise. The three species of cockroaches commonly found in Australian homes are the German cockroach, the Australian cockroach and the American cockroach, all of which prefer warm, moist areas. Their nests can often be found near plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens, in cupboard cracks or under drawers, inside appliances or underneath the fridge. You may also notice cockroach droppings around the nest’s location or your nose will help you sniff it out — most have a strong, foul odour.

First response

To successfully eradicate a cockroach infestation you must kill both the cockroaches and cockroach eggs. Mortein Nest Kill Cockroach baits eliminate cockroaches with no mess and no fumes. They work by attracting the bugs to the bait station, where they eat the bait, return to the nest and die, contaminating other cockroaches and their eggs.

Next step

Baits won’t stop cockroaches from entering your home, so for maximum protection, use the baits in conjunction with an outdoor surface spray such as Mortein Barrier Outdoor to kill them before they get inside.

After-care

Cockroaches live on food scraps and garbage, so it’s important to keep your kitchen clean. Cover unprotected food and make sure pet bowls are washed every night. Messy bedrooms provide perfect breeding grounds, so get the kids to chip in too. If you’ve stored household items in a shed or garage, close off the area and set off a Mortein Control Bomb before bringing anything back into the house.