Few things are as unpleasant as switching on the kitchen light and seeing a cockroach run for cover. In the warm Cyprus climate cockroaches stay active for most of the year, and in Paphos they are one of the most common reasons people call a pest control company. This guide explains why they come in, which species you are likely to meet and what it really takes to get rid of them.
Why Cockroaches Love Paphos Properties
Cockroaches need three things: warmth, water and food. Long, hot summers, mild winters and plenty of outdoor drains give them all three. When the weather changes, or after heavy rain, they move indoors through drains, gaps under doors, wall cracks and the openings around pipes and cables.
They also arrive with us. Cardboard boxes, deliveries, second-hand furniture and appliances such as fridges and washing machines can all carry eggs or young cockroaches into a clean home.
The Cockroaches You Are Most Likely to See
- German cockroach: small, light brown, with two dark stripes behind the head. It lives indoors, mostly in kitchens and bathrooms, and breeds very fast. One female can produce hundreds of offspring in a year.
- American cockroach: large, reddish brown and able to fly short distances. It usually comes up from drains, sewers and basements, especially on hot summer nights.
- Oriental cockroach: dark brown to black and slow moving. It prefers cool, damp places such as drains, under sinks and around water meters.
You can read more about each species on our cockroach page.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
- Cockroaches seen during the day, which usually means a large population hiding nearby
- Small dark droppings, like ground pepper, in drawers, cupboards and behind appliances
- Brown egg cases behind the fridge, the oven or kitchen units
- A musty, oily smell in kitchens and storerooms
Why Sprays From the Supermarket Rarely Work
Cockroaches spend most of their lives hidden in cracks, behind kitchen units and inside motors. A spray kills the few you can see but does not reach the nest or the eggs, and many cockroaches simply move to another room. German cockroaches in particular can become resistant to common household products, so the problem keeps coming back.
How Professional Cockroach Control Works
A ProPest technician starts by finding out which species you have and where they are hiding. The treatment is then planned around that:
- A thorough inspection of kitchens, bathrooms, drains, storerooms and the outside of the building
- Professional gel baits placed in the cracks and voids where cockroaches live, which they carry back and share with the rest of the colony
- Targeted treatment of drains, manholes and entry points
- A follow-up visit to check results and treat any remaining activity
Our treatments are chosen to be safe for families, children and pets when used as instructed, and we will tell you exactly how to prepare before the visit.
Keeping Cockroaches Away After Treatment
- Keep food in sealed containers and do not leave pet food out overnight
- Fix dripping taps and leaks, since cockroaches can live longer without food than without water
- Seal gaps around pipes, under doors and around drains
- Keep drain covers in place and clean outdoor bins regularly
- Remove cardboard boxes and clutter where cockroaches like to hide
Cockroach Control for Homes and Businesses in Paphos
ProPest Management treats homes, apartments, villas, restaurants, hotels and shops across the Paphos district. For businesses we can set up regular visits so cockroaches never get the chance to settle in. If you have seen cockroaches in your property, call us on +357 99 711791 or send us a message to arrange an inspection.