Cockroaches

Cockroaches are among the most persistent household pests. They reproduce rapidly and prefer warm, dark and damp areas where food and water are readily available. They are not only unpleasant, but may also contaminate food and surfaces and carry microorganisms.

6/30/2026
Ščurki v bližini hrane in kuhinjskih površin.

Cockroaches – One of the Most Persistent Household Pests 

Cockroaches are among the most common pests in flats, houses, restaurants, warehouses and other enclosed spaces. Because they reproduce quickly, are active at night and are highly skilled at hiding, their presence may remain unnoticed for a long time.

They prefer warm, dark and damp areas where food and water are available. In addition to the discomfort caused by their presence, they also pose a hygiene risk because they may contaminate food and surfaces and carry various microorganisms.


Why Are Cockroaches a Problem?

Cockroaches often live in drains, waste areas and other unhygienic environments before coming into contact with food and work surfaces.

Their presence may cause:

  • food contamination,
  • the spread of bacteria,
  • the spread of allergens,
  • worsening of asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals,
  • unpleasant odours indoors.

In larger infestations, they may also damage packaging, paper and other materials.

Where Are Cockroaches Most Commonly Found and How Can You Identify Them?

Cockroaches are most often found in warm, dark and hard-to-reach areas where food and moisture are available. In homes and other buildings, they are therefore commonly found behind refrigerators, beneath sinks, inside kitchen units, around drains, in bathrooms, pantries and cellars, and in cracks in walls and floors.

During the day, they remain hidden. At night, they leave their hiding places in search of food.


Signs of a Cockroach Infestation:

  • live cockroaches, especially at night,
  • small dark droppings along walls and inside cupboards,
  • egg cases (oothecae),
  • shed skins after moulting,
  • a distinctive musty, oily odour,
  • movement marks on surfaces,
  • evidence of a cockroach infestation in the home.
Infestacija ščurkov v stanovanju

If you see a cockroach during the day, this often indicates that the population is already large and immediate action is required.

How Can You Get Rid of Cockroaches Effectively?

Effective cockroach control is based on a combination of preventive measures and suitable insecticidal products.

We recommend:

  • regularly removing food residues,
  • cleaning kitchen surfaces,
  • eliminating sources of moisture,
  • sealing cracks and crevices,
  • treating the areas where cockroaches hide and move.

When dealing with a cockroach infestation, it is essential to act immediately. Cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly and, without effective solutions such as Effect insecticides, the population can expand within a very short time, making control considerably more difficult and time-consuming.

Nemški ščurek (Blattella germanica) v hiši

German Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

The most common cockroach species found in homes, apartments, and food service establishments. It is easily identified by its light brown colour and two dark stripes on the pronotum (the shield behind its head). It reproduces rapidly and is considered one of the most persistent household pests.

Orientalski ščurek v stavbi

Oriental Cockroach (Blatta orientalis)

A dark brown to black cockroach most commonly found in basements, drains, sewers, and other damp environments.

Interesting Facts

  • Cockroaches have been living on Earth for more than 300 million years.
  • They are primarily nocturnal, which is why they are often only noticed once an infestation has become established.
  • They require very little food to survive, making them highly adaptable.
  • Because they reproduce rapidly, even a small population can quickly develop into a serious infestation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get rid of cockroaches?

The most effective approach is to combine good hygiene, the elimination of food and moisture sources, and the use of appropriate insecticidal products.

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Yes. They can contaminate food, spread bacteria, and trigger allergic reactions.

Does seeing one cockroach mean there is an infestation?

Not necessarily, but it may indicate that more cockroaches are hiding nearby. If you see one during the day, the infestation is often already well established.