Cockroaches behind the fridge: treatment at the right time in Era Alta

Sometimes, the greatest enemy at home is not the one that makes the most noise, but the one that knows how to hide best. This week we were in Era Alta, very close to Alcantarilla, visiting a client who had a nagging feeling: he had seen "only" six or seven cockroaches in the kitchen.

For many, that might seem like nothing; but for those of us who work in pest control in Murcia, it is the sign that the clock has already started ticking. Cockroaches in the kitchen take advantage of the heat from the fridge motor, the darkness of the skirting boards and the constant humidity to establish their hideout.

In the middle of winter, while we wrap ourselves in blankets, they reproduce at full speed.

The mistake of the "supermarket gel"

Our client in Era Alta had already tried to solve the problem on his own. He bought the typical domestic insecticide gel sold in any hardware shop in Molina de Segura or Las Torres de Cotillas.

However, these products do not have the palatability (that is, the flavour appeal) of professional baits. It is like trying to attract a gourmet with plastic food: in the end, the cockroaches walk right past and the infestation keeps growing in the shadows.

Getting to work: How we solved it

We arrived early, because we know that nobody wants their home "turned upside down" all day. After putting on our protective suits and masks, we got straight to the point:

• Shock treatment with persistence: We used a professional pyrethroid reinforced with polymer. This allows the product to remain adhered to surfaces —such as tiles or floors— for longer without losing effectiveness.
• The secret weapon (IGR): The most important thing is not only to eliminate adult cockroaches, but to interrupt their cycle. We use a growth regulator that prevents the oothecae (eggs) from hatching.
• Critical areas: We removed the kitchen skirting boards, that "five-star hotel" for insects, and applied biocide gel to the cupboard hinges to avoid having to empty the crockery.

Finally, we protected the entire perimeter of the home and the bathroom. The result? A safe home free of pests with a safety period of just 12 hours.

Expert advice

If you live around El Palmar, Alcantarilla or Murcia centre and have started to see the occasional loose cockroach, don't wait. It is much more affordable, quick and clean to act on a mild infestation than to face a full-scale invasion a few months down the line.

The peace of mind of sleeping knowing your kitchen is cockroach-free is priceless. Contact us today and we will help you regain control of your home.