Wellington's Cockroach Control Experts
At Total Pest Control, we deal with cockroaches in Wellington almost every day, all year round. They’re unpleasant invaders that can quickly get out of control if left untreated. Cockroaches multiply fast, spread disease, contaminate food, and make any home or business feel unhygienic. Read below to learn more about our process, our treatments, and the common cockroach types found in New Zealand.
Our Process For Cockroach Control
Inspection
Get in Touch – Simply fill out our online form or give us a call. One of our technicians will contact you to discuss your options and provide a quote ($295 + GST for any residential property). For commercial properties, please contact us directly. We’ll then book a treatment time that works best for you.
Site Arrival – On arrival, we’ll greet you and ask you to explain the situation in detail. Show us where you’ve seen cockroaches, how many, their colour, and any other observations that may help us.
Inspection – We carry out a full inspection of your property, including:
- All rooms
- Subfloor and ceiling spaces
- Exterior areas
- Food storage and waste management zones
Treatment
Treatment – After the inspection, our technician will choose the most effective treatment method for your property (see options below). Before starting, we’ll explain the process and all health and safety details to ensure you feel comfortable
Our Cockroach Treatments
Exterior Barrier Spray – Applying an all-weather insecticide to exterior walls, paths, and other key areas. Lasts up to 3 months. Cockroaches pick it up on contact and die shortly after.
Baiting – Small dots of commercial-grade bait are placed in out-of-reach areas. Cockroaches take the bait back to the nest, spreading it through the colony with a delayed killing effect.
Sticky Traps – Professional sticky traps with attractants lure cockroaches inside, where they become trapped.
Dusting – Insecticidal dust is applied to cracks and crevices. Cockroaches walk through it, spreading it back to the nest to help eliminate the colony.
Pest Proofing – During inspection, we identify entry points. After treatment, we can provide a pest-proofing quote to seal access points and reduce future infestations. [More about pest proofing & prices here.]
Inside Spraying – In severe infestations, we may spray inside the property. Similar to the exterior barrier spray, this is applied to skirting boards, floors, and other surfaces. Health and safety procedures are always explained beforehand.
Nest Removal – If a nest is located during inspection, we remove it on-site. Indoor nests may be vacuumed with a portable unit, while outdoor nests are treated with targeted sprays.
Maintenance - While cockroaches cannot be removed permanently, regular maintenance ensures infestations are kept under control. Our standard maintenance includes: Exterior barrier spray, Baiting, nspection
View our health and saftey details here
Maintenance
Maintenance – Cockroaches cannot be completely eradicated, but they can be managed effectively. Our treatments are warranted for up to 3 months, though results often last longer. We recommend a maintenance plan for lasting control.
Common Wellington Cockroaches
German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)
- These cockroaches are a global pest, easily identified by two dark stripes on their pronotum.
- Adults grow up to 12-15mm in length, and females carry egg cases containing 35-40 eggs, which hatch monthly.
- With 3-4 egg cycles per year, their populations can grow rapidly.
- German cockroaches are typically found indoors in wet and humid areas like subfloors, laundries, and bathrooms.
- They are a major health hazard, spreading diseases and contaminating surfaces
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American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- One of the largest species, these cockroaches measure 35-40mm long and have a shiny reddish-brown color.
- They have wings longer than their body and can run extremely fast.
- Females carry egg cases containing up to 16 eggs, which hatch within 1-2 months.
- Nymphs take 6-12 months (sometimes up to 15 months) to develop into adults.
- While they sometimes live in trees, they prefer dark, humid areas like basements and storage rooms.
- Like the German cockroach, they spread diseases and are a serious household pest.
Gisborne Cockroach (Drymaplaneta semivitta)
- Native to New Zealand, these cockroaches are 45mm long with a dark brown to black back and distinctive white stripes.
- Unlike the German and American cockroaches, the Gisborne cockroach is harmless, does not spread disease, and cannot fly.
- They prefer to stay outdoors under bark and rarely invade homes unless food supplies are decaying.
Why Cockroaches Are a Problem
Cockroaches are more than just a nuisance; they pose significant health risks. They contaminate food and surfaces, spread diseases, and trigger allergies. Their rapid reproduction and adaptability make them a persistent problem if not addressed promptly.
Cockroaches are among the most unpleasant pests you can encounter. These creepy insects thrive in damp, dark, and cold spaces, such as under dead logs, behind washing machines, or in other hidden corners of your home. They’re not only a nuisance but also a health risk. Some fascinating (and disturbing) facts about cockroaches: they can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, survive a month without food, and are known to be cannibals.