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Preparation — Cockroaches

Preparing your kitchen and bathroom is crucial for effective cockroach treatment. Here is how to proceed.

Cockroaches
Estimated time: 2 to 3 hours
Moderate
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Preparation Steps

  1. 1

    Deep clean the kitchen: top and bottom of refrigerator, oven, microwave, toaster and all small appliances. Cockroaches feed on the smallest crumbs and grease residue.

  2. 2

    Empty all kitchen cabinets and drawers. Wipe interior surfaces and place contents in clean boxes or bags in the center of the room.

  3. 3

    Store all food (including pet food) in airtight glass or thick plastic containers. Cockroaches can chew through cardboard and thin plastic.

  4. 4

    Take out garbage and clean garbage and recycling bins with diluted bleach. Organic residue attracts cockroaches.

  5. 5

    Repair any water leaks under sinks, around toilets and in the bathroom. Cockroaches need water to survive — eliminating moisture sources reduces their population.

  6. 6

    Thoroughly clean the bathroom: behind the toilet, under the sink, around the bathtub. Remove soap residue and hair that retains moisture.

  7. 7

    Move the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher if possible to allow the technician to treat behind and underneath these appliances — these are cockroaches' favorite hiding spots.

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Pro Tips

  • Install drain interceptors overnight in the kitchen and bathroom — cockroaches often come up through drains.
  • Use a caulking gun to seal cracks around pipes, electrical outlets and along baseboards before treatment.
  • Place electronics (microwave, toaster) in sealed bags if you notice cockroach traces inside them.
  • Coordinate treatment with your neighbors if you live in an apartment building — cockroaches easily migrate between units.
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Mistakes to Avoid

  • Do NOT use insect bombs (foggers) before treatment — they scatter cockroaches into the walls and significantly reduce the effectiveness of professional treatment.
  • Do NOT clean with bleach on surfaces where the technician will apply gel or powder — the product will not adhere properly.
  • Do NOT block access under sinks, behind the refrigerator and around the stove — these are the priority treatment areas.

After Treatment

  • 1Do not clean treated areas for at least 2 weeks. The gel and powder applied must stay in place to be effective.
  • 2It is normal to see more cockroaches within 48 to 72 hours after treatment — they emerge from hiding spots upon contact with the product before dying.
  • 3Maintain impeccable kitchen hygiene: clean up immediately after meals, do not leave dirty dishes and empty garbage regularly.
  • 4A follow-up is usually scheduled 3 to 4 weeks after initial treatment. Note where you still see activity to report to the technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prepare your kitchen before cockroach treatment?
Empty all kitchen cabinets and drawers, deep clean all appliances, store food in airtight containers and clean grease residue. Move large appliances if possible to give the technician access.
Is it normal to see cockroaches after treatment?
Yes, it is completely normal to see more cockroaches in the 2 to 3 days following treatment. They emerge from hiding spots upon contact with the product. Activity should decrease significantly after 1 to 2 weeks.
How many treatments are needed to eliminate cockroaches?
Generally, 2 to 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart are needed to completely eliminate a cockroach infestation. Severe cases or apartment buildings may require additional treatments. Thorough preparation at each visit speeds up the process.

Need help with preparation?

Our team is available to answer all your questions and guide you through your treatment preparation.