Facing a cockroach problem?

We provide proven solutions to eliminate cockroaches from your property.

What is a cockroach?

Cockroaches are resilient pests that thrive in warm, moist environments. They can be found in homes, restaurants, and businesses, making their presence known in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where food and water are accessible. Cockroaches are not just a nuisance—they are notorious for spreading disease and contaminating food sources.


Having served Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua for years, we know how to tackle cockroach infestations effectively, no matter how severe.

Cockroaches come in various species, each with its unique characteristics and potential threats. Understanding the species in your home or business can help with targeted treatments and effective control. Here are the most common cockroach species found in New Zealand:

Types of cockroaches

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German

(Blattella germanica)

Estimated Likelihood:

60-70%

  • See Image
    A magnifying glass is looking at a bug in a target.

These are the most common household cockroaches in New Zealand. Small, light brown with two dark stripes on their back, German cockroaches reproduce rapidly and are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and food-handling areas. Their ability to breed quickly makes early intervention critical.

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American

(Periplaneta americana)

Estimated Likelihood:

20-25%

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    A magnifying glass is looking at a bug in a target.

 Larger and reddish-brown, American cockroaches prefer damp, dark spaces like basements, sewers, and drains. Though slower to reproduce than German cockroaches, their large size and the diseases they carry make them a significant health hazard.


A blue bug icon on a white background.

Gisborne

 (Drymaplaneta semivitta)

Estimated Likelihood:

5-10%

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    A magnifying glass is looking at a bug in a target.

Primarily an outdoor species, Gisborne cockroaches can occasionally enter homes but are more often found in gardens, leaf litter, and under bark. They are not as much of a threat indoors but can still become a nuisance for some households.


A blue bug icon on a white background.

Australian

(Periplaneta australasiae)

Estimated Likelihood:

<5%

  • See Image
    A magnifying glass is looking at a bug in a target.

Similar in size and appearance to the American cockroach, the Australian cockroach is reddish-brown with a pale yellow band around the edges of its wings. It’s more commonly found outdoors but can sometimes enter homes in search of food and shelter, especially during warmer months.

A blue bug icon on a white background.

Brown-Banded

(Supella longipalpa)

Estimated Likelihood:

<3%

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Smaller than other species, brown-banded cockroaches are light brown with two distinctive lighter bands across their wings. Unlike most cockroaches, they prefer drier conditions and are often found in higher areas of homes, such as in furniture or behind picture frames. They are less common in New Zealand but can still be a problem in certain indoor environments.

  • Salmonellosis

    A bacterial infection caused by cockroach contamination of food, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, fever, and cramps.


  • Dysentery

    Cockroaches can spread dysentery, a severe intestinal infection causing stomach pain, diarrhoea, and dehydration.

  • Gastroenteritis

    Ingesting food contaminated by cockroaches can cause stomach infections, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramps.


  • Allergic Reactions

    Cockroach droppings, saliva, and dead bodies can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms, particularly in children and the elderly.



Dangers of cockroach infestation

Cockroaches are not just unpleasant—they pose serious health risks. Known carriers of a range of diseases, they contaminate food, surfaces, and other household items. The diseases they can spread include:

Left unchecked, cockroaches can also cause property damage, including damage to electrical appliances and wiring.


How we can help

At Professional Pest Control, we know how challenging cockroach infestations can be. Our expert team uses professional-grade products and specialised treatment plans designed to eliminate cockroaches from every corner of your home. Whether it's dealing with a small infestation or a full-scale invasion, we target not only the visible cockroaches but also their nests and eggs, ensuring your home remains pest-free for the long term.

DIY vs Professional

Cockroach infestations can be challenging to deal with, and many homeowners attempt DIY methods to solve the problem. However, these methods are often less effective and can lead to further issues. Compare the two approaches below:

DIY

Solution:

  • Limited Effectiveness

    DIY traps and sprays may kill visible cockroaches but fail to address the nests and eggs hidden in hard-to-reach areas.


  • Health & Safety Risks

    Improper use of DIY sprays and chemicals can pose health risks to you, your family, and your pets. These methods can also contaminate food and surfaces.


  • Temporary Solution

    DIY methods often provide short-term relief. Without addressing the root cause of the infestation, cockroaches can quickly return and spread.

  • Time-Consuming

    Dealing with cockroaches on your own can take a lot of time, especially if the infestation is large. DIY methods usually require multiple treatments and checks.

Professional

Solution:

  • Faster Results

    Our professional-grade treatments are designed to target both visible cockroaches and their nests, ensuring the entire infestation is addressed quickly.

  • Cost Savings

    Professional pest control prevents re-infestation, saving you money in the long run by avoiding repeated DIY purchases and the cost of potential damage to property.

  • Safety

    We use safe, professional-grade products specifically designed to eliminate cockroaches without harming your family, pets, or environment.

  • Guaranteed Success

    We stand behind the quality of our work with a simple promise: if you’re not happy with the results, we’ll make it right or give you your money back. You can trust that we’ll get the job done right, leaving your home cockroach-free and safe from future threats.

What our

customers say

If you're still not convinced,

read our Google reviews

What sets us apart? Our specialised approach to cockroach control includes experienced technicians, advanced equipment, and customised treatment plans. With years of local knowledge and transparent pricing, we offer reliable, safe solutions that keep your property cockroach-free.

The Professional Pest Control difference

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Experienced Technicians

Our team is specially trained in the latest cockroach control methods, using their expertise to locate nests and breeding grounds in hard-to-reach areas of your home.

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Customised Solutions

No two cockroach infestations are the same. We tailor our approach based on the species, the severity of the infestation, and the specific needs of your property to ensure effective treatment.

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Local

Expertise

Serving Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua, we understand the unique challenges of cockroach control in New Zealand's environment.

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Transparent Pricing

What we quote is what you pay—no hidden fees, just honest, reliable service designed to keep your home cockroach-free.

Worried about cockroaches?

Let us help.