Cockroaches are nocturnal by nature and spend the day hiding in cracks around areas like sinks, drains, cookers and the backs of service ducts. They may be seen if you come home in the dark and put the lights on.

They also emit an unpleasant almond like smell - only noticeable if the infestation is large. The German cockroach is a small species of cockroach, measuring about 1.3 cm to 1.6 cm (1/2" to 5/8") long.

 It is tan to light brown, and has two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings. Although it has wings, it is unable to sustain flight. Nymphs have a pale area centrally on the dorsal thorax.

The German cockroach is one of the most common and prominent household cockroaches in the world, and can be found throughout many human settlements in the world. These insects are particularly fond of inhabiting restaurants, food processing facilities, hotel rooms, and nursing homes. In colder climates, it is found only near human habitats.

Cockroaches can carry dysentery, gastro-enteritis typhoid and food poisoning organisms. Germs can be spread from the body of the cockroach or from the droppings they leave behind. Cockroaches will feed on almost anything including faecal matter. Contamination occurs when the cockroaches come into contact with foodstuffs.

Eradication of cockroaches can be complicated and should be carried out by pest control professional. They are difficult to treat, their hiding places are often difficult to reach with insecticides and because of the efficiency of the breeding process and the large number of eggs produced, cockroaches are difficult to eradicate and a comprehensive eradication program is essential. The first step is to monitor the level of the infestation. A high standard of hygiene is important in the control of cockroaches and involves refusing access to food and water. This will increase cockroach activity and directed movement increasing the chance of the insects coming across insecticides.

Gel baiting relies upon the biology and behaviour of cockroaches. Gel Bait consists of an attractant that attracts the cockroach. After the cockroach consumes the bait it goes back to its harbourage area and dies. Other cockroaches eat the dead body of the poisoned cockroach (Necrophagy) and also the faeces of the affected cockroaches (Coptophagy) and are subsequently eliminated. Therefore a cockroach that consumes the gel bait can eventually poison large numbers of cockroaches. Only a small amount of bait is required and it is only applied at inconspicuous areas away from the reach of children and pets.

Residual spraying is a treatment method for all Crawling Insects. Spraying is done externally as well internally to create a chemical barrier and treated zone against cockroaches. The chemical when dry, leaves a residue, thus when cockroaches crawl over these surfaces, they come into contact with the chemical and are killed. The chemical used is not harmful to humans and will not stain the walls or flooring. Areas that are treated internally include: floor traps, skirting of the kitchen, room, beneath kitchen cabinets, etc.

ATTRATHOR uniquely provides both contact and oral kill of cockroaches. Cockroaches are lured to the Target Zone where, due to the Active Ingredient - fipronil’s non-repellent chemistry, with its presence further concealed by the polymer coating of the capsules, the cockroaches remain totally unaware of its presence.

Death then occurs either through Contact Action - as the fipronil passes into the cockroach through the cuticle when the micro-capsules burst; or Stomach Action - as the cockroach grooms itself and breaks, or consumes the micro-capsules laced with fipronil. The Viral Transfer Effect also occurs when, through grooming, the cockroaches pass the Active Micro-capsules on to other cockroaches.