Cockroach control: how to spot them, costs and treatment
Cockroach control calls for a fast and targeted approach. In the Netherlands it is almost always the German cockroach: a small, light brown insect of 10 to 15 millimetres that hides in warm, damp corners of the kitchen and bathroom. Cockroaches are nocturnal and breed quickly, so if you see one during the day, there are usually many more. They contaminate food and worktops, which makes them above all a hygiene problem.
In this guide you will read how to recognise cockroaches, why DIY with aerosol sprays often backfires, how a professional pest controller works with gel bait and roughly what that costs in 2026. You will also get tips to prevent a new infestation. If you need help right away, see the top 3 pest controllers in your city.
Recognising cockroaches: species, signs and hiding places
The German cockroach is light brown, 10 to 15 millimetres long and has two dark lengthwise stripes on the shield behind its head. It lives in warm, damp spaces: behind the fridge and dishwasher, under the sink, near the boiler and in cracks around the cooker. The oriental cockroach is larger, almost black and more often found in cellars, crawl spaces and near the sewer. If you switch on the kitchen light at night and see them scurry away, that is a clear sign. Other signs are small black droppings that look like ground coffee, empty brown egg cases, a musty, sweetish smell and shed skins in corners and cupboards. A female carries an egg case with dozens of eggs, so a few cockroaches grow into a large infestation within a few months.
Cockroach control: DIY or call a professional?
An aerosol spray from the shop looks like a quick fix, but with cockroaches it often backfires. The product only kills the insects you hit, and the rest flee deeper into cracks or to the neighbours, spreading the infestation. Getting rid of German cockroaches usually only works with gel bait that the insects eat themselves. What you can do yourself: clean the kitchen thoroughly, seal food, do not leave dishes out, repair leaks and seal gaps around pipes and skirting boards. If you see several cockroaches, find droppings or egg cases, or live in a flat, call a professional. In the Netherlands, professional biocides, including the gel bait most commonly used against cockroaches, may only be used by pest controllers with a professional competence certificate (KPMB).
How a professional cockroach treatment works
A professional starts with an inspection, often with sticky traps left in place for a few days. That tells them which species is involved, where the hotspots are and how large the infestation is. They then apply small drops of gel bait in cracks, behind appliances and along runs. Cockroaches eat the gel, carry it back to the hiding place and contaminate other cockroaches there. Because the egg cases do not die straight away, a second treatment follows after 2 to 4 weeks. A good pest controller follows IPM: inspect first, then treat precisely with as little product as possible, and close with a follow-up check using the sticky traps.
Cockroach control costs: what you pay in 2026
As an indication, cockroach control in 2026 costs €150 to €400 for a home, including VAT. For that you usually get two gel treatments, the sticky traps for the inspection and a follow-up check. The price depends on the size of the home, the severity of the infestation and the number of rooms that need treating. If the infestation is stubborn or there are many hiding places, an extra visit may be needed. For large buildings, hospitality venues and apartment blocks, pest controllers work on a quote. Ask in advance how many visits are included and whether a guarantee is given. The amounts in the table are an indication; the exact rate differs per region and situation.
Price indication 2026 per pest
| Pest | Indication | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cockroach control for a home (2 gel treatments) | €150 to €400 | Including VAT, inspection with sticky traps and follow-up check |
| Extra treatment for a stubborn infestation | €75 to €150 | Per extra visit, only if the follow-up check still shows activity |
| Large buildings, hospitality or several homes | on quote | Depends on floor area and number of rooms |
Indications for private customers, including VAT, based on public rates in 2026. The actual price depends on severity, accessibility and the number of visits. Always ask for a fixed price in advance.
Preventing cockroaches: keeping the kitchen clear
Cockroaches need food, water and warmth, so that is where prevention starts. Store food in sealed containers, sweep up crumbs straight away and do not leave dishes or pet food out overnight. Clean regularly behind and under the fridge, cooker and dishwasher, because grease and crumbs build up there. Seal gaps around pipe entry points, skirting boards and the drain with sealant or a grille. Check second-hand appliances and boxes before bringing them into the kitchen, because that is how cockroaches often hitch a ride. If you live in a flat and the neighbours have cockroaches, report it to the landlord or the owners' association; a joint approach stops the infestation shifting back and forth.
