Cockroaches Can Trigger Allergies and Asthma: How to Act in Time

Cockroaches are persistent pests that contaminate living areas and may pose a health risk. Because they reproduce rapidly and hide extremely well, timely action is essential for effective control.

7/8/2026

Cockroaches frequently move between food sources and contaminated areas and may therefore carry pathogenic microorganisms that can contribute to food poisoning and other illnesses. Many people also show allergic reactions to cockroach secretions, droppings and shed skins. Cockroach allergens can cause nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes and, in more serious cases, may contribute to mild or severe asthma. Cockroach-related asthma is particularly common among children living in densely populated areas where cockroach infestations can be extensive.

How to Recognise Cockroaches and Their Signs

Cockroaches are flat, brownish insects with long antennae and very rapid movement. They are most commonly seen at night, when they leave their hiding places to search for food and water. When a light is switched on, they usually retreat quickly into cracks, beneath furniture or into other concealed areas.

Cockroaches undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Nymphs hatch from eggs and resemble adults, but their wings are not yet fully developed. As they grow, they moult several times before reaching adulthood.

Cockroaches reproduce extremely quickly. Females deposit egg cases in hidden, protected locations. Depending on the species, each case may contain 15-40 nymphs. The German cockroach is one of the most widespread and persistent species, and a single female may indirectly contribute to several thousand descendants in less than a year.

One of the first signs of cockroach activity is their droppings, which resemble fine grains of ground pepper or poppy seeds. They are commonly found along movement routes, close to hiding places or in areas where cockroaches remain for longer periods.

German Cockroach – The Most Common Cockroach in Homes

The German cockroach (Blattella germanica), sometimes known as the croton bug, is the most common cockroach species in apartments, houses, restaurants and other heated buildings. It is a strongly synanthropic species, meaning that it is closely associated with people and is rarely found in natural environments.

Adults are light brown and usually grow to approximately 2 cm in length. Nymphs are somewhat darker and more rounded, while adults have a characteristic elongated body.

German cockroaches thrive in warm, humid and dark areas where food and water are readily available. They are therefore most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, pantries and other heated rooms.

During the day, they hide in narrow cracks and other hard-to-reach places, including beneath kitchen units, behind refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines, and close to appliances that produce heat. Their presence may go unnoticed until the population has increased substantially.


Effective Cockroach Control

Successful cockroach control requires a comprehensive approach that combines consistent hygiene, removal of food and water sources and the use of effective insecticides. Because cockroaches hide in hard-to-reach cracks, crevices and concealed areas, it is essential to treat the locations where they are most likely to remain.


Cockroaches spend most of their time hidden in cracks and crevices, behind kitchen units, beneath appliances and in other hard-to-reach places. For effective control, we recommend a combination of products that quickly reduces the active population, provides long-term protection and targets hidden individuals.

Step 1: Quickly Reduce the Population

Use Effect Ultimum PRO for the rapid control of active cockroaches. This professional concentrated insecticide provides fast contact action and effective control even in larger infestations. Apply the diluted solution to areas where cockroach movement is observed, particularly along wall edges, beneath kitchen units, around drains and pipes, and in cracks and other hiding places.

  • Extremely fast initial action.
  • Powerful knock-down effect.
  • Suitable for more demanding infestations.

Effect Ultimum PRO

Step 2: Long-Term Protection

After the initial treatment, we recommend Effect Microtech CS PRO RTU. Its advanced microencapsulated formulation provides fast contact action and long-lasting protection of treated surfaces for up to 6 months. The microcapsules adhere to cockroaches and can be carried into their hiding places, helping to reduce the entire population more effectively. Apply the product mainly into cracks and crevices, along floor and wall edges, behind furniture and kitchen units, and to other hard-to-reach locations.

  • Fast initial action.
  • Ready-to-use formulation with no mixing required.
  • Suitable for indoor use and areas around buildings.
Effect Microtech CS PRO RTU

Step 3: Additional Monitoring with a Cockroach Trap

For even more effective control, we recommend using the Effect Cockroach Trap. Place the trap where cockroach activity has been observed or nearby. The attractant draws cockroaches into the trap, helping to reduce their presence and monitor activity in areas that cannot be reached directly with insecticide.

  • Insecticide-free.
  • Safe for indoor use.
  • Effective monitoring of cockroach activity.
  • Easy and clean to use.
  • Long-lasting action


Vaba za ščurke

Effect Ultimum PRO – fast contact control of cockroaches and other crawling insects.

Effect Microtech CS PRO RTU – microencapsulated formulation for long-lasting protection of treated surfaces for up to 6 months.

Effect Cockroach Trap – a simple solution for monitoring and reducing cockroach activity over an extended period.


Tip: Cockroaches are active at night and hide during the day in cracks, behind kitchen units, refrigerators, dishwashers and other warm, humid areas. Always apply insecticides primarily to their hiding and movement areas rather than across the entire room.


Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.