The Invisible Nightmare After Renovation: Why Are There Cockroaches in My Plasterboard Wall?

You have just finished the renovation of your dreams in Churra. Fresh paint, new floors, and that modern design you wanted so much. But suddenly, one night you turn on the kitchen light and there it is: an American cockroach crossing the living room. How is it possible if the house is "new"?

This is the real story of a service we recently carried out in a ground‑floor flat in Murcia, and it sums up the concern of many of our clients: the fear that pests will end up living "inside" our new walls.

The perfect hiding place: plasterboard and false ceilings

In this home, the cockroaches had found the ideal place. During the renovation, they took refuge in the air gap between the original wall and the new plasterboard wall. In addition, the removable false ceiling of the ground floor was the perfect "corridor" to move around the whole house without being seen.

Many clients ask us: “Is the poison dangerous if I have children?” or “Are you going to break the wall to spray?”. My answer is always the same: the key is not to flood the house with chemicals, but precision.

Our intervention: Less is more (and better)

As pest control professionals in Murcia, we know that in densely populated districts such as El Palmar or Puente Tocinos, infestations of Periplaneta americana are a common challenge. In this case in Churra, we acted as follows:

• We took advantage of the structure: We removed the plasterboard ventilation grilles to apply a highly palatable bait gel. It has no smell, does not stain, and is irresistible to them.

• Invisible perimeter barrier: In the false ceiling we applied a very effective residual biocide on porous surfaces. In the Region of Murcia, these cockroaches do not yet show resistance to this treatment, which guarantees long‑lasting results.

• The source in the courtyard: We found a rainwater inspection chamber. Dampness, darkness and organic debris... the paradise of the American cockroach. By treating this critical point, we cut the problem off at the root.

Prevention: The best treatment is the one you don't see

Although we did not find live specimens during the service (it was a preventive treatment after past infestations), we left monitoring traps to keep an eye on any future activity.

In addition, we always give extra advice to our clients in Murcia city, whether they live in Cabezo de Torres or Sangonera la Verde: strength in numbers. That is why we recommend notifying the municipal service so they can inspect the nearby sewer network.

Have you done a renovation and are worried about seeing “bugs” coming out of the walls? Do not wait for temperatures to rise. A preventive treatment in time will save you sleepless nights and allow you to truly enjoy your home.