Cockroach Infestation: Causes, Life Cycle & How to Get Rid of Them

Why They Infest Homes, Hostels, and F&B Businesses.

How to Get Rid of Them

Cockroaches are one of the most common and stubborn pests in Malaysia. Whether you’re managing a restaurant kitchen, hostel dormitory, or your own home, a cockroach problem is not just unpleasant... it can be dangerous.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• How cockroaches survive even in clean spaces

• Why they infest homes, shops, and food outlets

• The cockroach life cycle

• Why DIY sprays often don’t work

• What you can do to prevent and control infestations
  
   

How Do Cockroaches Survive Indoors?

Cockroaches are expert survivors. They can live for weeks without food, hide in tiny cracks, and reproduce rapidly. Here's how they thrive in different environments:

In Homes & Apartments:

• Hide in cabinets, under sinks, and floor traps

• Feed on crumbs, grease, and food scraps

• Enter through drainpipes or air vents

In Hostels & Dorms:

• Spread quickly from unit to unit

• Feed on leftover snacks and unwashed dishes

• Hide behind furniture, inside electrical sockets

In Restaurants, Cafes & F&B Outlets:

• Infest kitchen drains, storage areas, and dishwashing zones

• Feed on grease, food debris, and garbage

• Hide inside appliances, under shelves, and false ceilings

Even with regular cleaning, roaches can survive as long as they have food, water, and hiding spots.

 

The Cockroach Life Cycle

Understanding their life cycle explains why infestations grow so fast especially in crowded or food-rich places.

1. Egg case (ootheca):
   Carries 30–40 eggs, usually hidden in dark crevices

2. Nymph (baby roach):
   Small and light colored, grows over several weeks

3. Adult:
   Lives for months, constantly producing new egg cases

 Just one female cockroach can lead to hundreds of offspring making early treatment critical in restaurants or shared spaces.

 

What Attracts Cockroaches?

Whether in homes or commercial buildings, these are the top attractants:

Why Cockroaches Are a Serious Problem

Roaches aren't just creepy they pose real health risks:

• Spread of disease – Salmonella, E. coli, and more

• Contaminate food & utensils – Especially dangerous in F&B settings

• Trigger asthma & allergies – Especially in children

• Damage reputation – For hostels, restaurants, and retail shops

A single cockroach sighting can lead to bad reviews, customer complaints, or health inspection issues.

 

Why DIY Methods Often Fail

DIY sprays, traps, and powders may seem helpful  but they only kill the roaches you can see. The nest remains hidden.

Common issues with DIY:

• Only targets surface roaches

• Doesn’t reach inside walls or appliances

• Cockroaches may adapt or hide deeper

• Gel bait used wrongly, reducing effectiveness

This is why restaurants, dorms, and even homes often need professional intervention to truly eliminate the problem.
 

Professional Cockroach Control: What We Do

At PestSol Sdn Bhd, we offer targeted cockroach control for:

Homes & apartments
Hostels, dormitories, and staff quarters
Restaurants, cafés, kitchens, and bars
Offices, shops, and commercial buildings

Our treatment includes:

• Professional inspection to locate nests

• Long-lasting residual spray (harmless to humans & pets after drying)

• Gel baiting inside cracks, sockets, and cabinets

• Flushing to force out hidden roaches

• Safe for F&B outlets (no residue on food surfaces)

We also offer routine monthly/quarterly maintenance for restaurants, hostels, and shops.

 

Tips to Prevent Cockroaches

Whether at home or in business, prevention is key. Here’s what helps:

• Clean all food prep areas daily

• Keep trash bins covered and emptied regularly

• Fix leaking taps or pipes

• Store dry food in sealed containers

• Close floor traps when not in use

• Avoid storing cardboard boxes on floors

• Schedule routine pest inspections if you're running a business