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What should I expect from cockroach treatment?

By Sterex Pest Control Team

A professional cockroach treatment should include inspection, prep instructions, targeted product application, harbourage treatment, sanitation and access recommendations, and clear follow-up expectations. Severe activity may need more than one visit.

What happens before treatment?

The technician should ask where activity is seen, check kitchens and bathrooms, look for harbourage, and explain prep. Clearing cabinets, reducing clutter, and avoiding DIY sprays over baits can improve results. Download the cockroach prep sheet at sterex.ca/prep before your visit.

What happens during treatment?

Treatment may include residual spray, bait, dusting, Actisol for suitable voids, and targeted work around cracks, appliances, plumbing penetrations, baseboards, and warm hidden zones.

What should happen after treatment?

You should receive re-entry guidance, cleaning instructions, and a realistic timeline. Seeing reduced activity first is normal; heavy infestations can require follow-up because eggs and hidden roaches may emerge later.

Frequently asked questions

A typical kitchen-focused visit runs 45–90 minutes depending on unit size, prep completion, and severity. Multi-unit or heavy infestations take longer and may require a scheduled follow-up.

Yes, temporarily. Baits and residuals work over days as roaches contact treated zones. A spike in visible activity can occur as hidden roaches emerge. Heavy infestations often need a second visit — Sterex quotes this upfront when inspection shows high pressure.

Yes. Empty lower cabinets, clear counters, and pull appliances slightly forward where safe. Sterex provides a printable cockroach prep checklist at sterex.ca/prep. Skipped prep is the most common reason first visits underperform.

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