1. Identify which cockroach you have
Singapore homes mostly deal with two species. American cockroaches are large (3–4 cm), reddish-brown and often fly; they live in drains, sewers and bin chutes and enter through floor traps. German cockroaches are small (about 1.5 cm) and light brown with two dark stripes; they live and breed inside kitchens — in hinges, appliances and cabinet corners. The treatment is different for each.
2. Look for cockroach infestation signs
- Droppings like ground pepper or coffee grounds in drawers and corners
- Brown egg cases behind appliances and in hinges
- A musty, oily smell
- Sightings during the day — usually means a large hidden population
3. Cut off food, water and shelter
Wipe counters at night, store food in sealed containers, don’t leave pet food out, fix dripping taps, and take rubbish out daily. Declutter cardboard boxes — German cockroaches love them.
4. Bait, don’t spray
Spray kills the cockroaches you hit but scatters the rest. Gel bait placed in cracks, hinges and behind appliances is eaten and carried back, killing others in the nest. Insect growth regulators (IGR) stop nymphs from becoming breeding adults.
Cockroaches every night?
Our licensed technicians can inspect and treat — same-day slots available.
5. Block the drain highway
For American cockroaches, keep floor traps wet (dry traps let them climb up), use floor trap covers, and seal gaps around pipes under sinks.
6. Cockroach prevention routine
- Weekly: pour hot water down floor traps; check under sinks
- Monthly: clean behind the fridge and stove
- Always: check boxes and second-hand appliances before bringing them in
When to call a professional
If you see cockroaches every night, in the day, or in multiple rooms — or you run a food business — professional cockroach control is quicker and cheaper than months of DIY.