Anyone searching for “kakalake” usually means a cockroach – also commonly called a roach. Cockroaches often live in warm, dark, and damp areas, such as kitchens, cracks, or behind appliances. Correct species identification, a systematic infestation check, and an appropriate, safe control strategy are essential.
Identifying cockroaches: common species and features
Not all cockroaches look alike. Identifying the species is important for assessing an infestation correctly, as their habitats and suitable control strategies may differ. In Germany, German, Oriental, American, and brown-banded cockroaches are particularly common in human environments.
| Cockroach species | Identifying feature | Typical location | Appropriate measure | Product type | Instructions for use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| German cockroach | approx. 14–16 mm, light/yellowish brown, dark longitudinal stripes | Warm indoor areas, especially kitchens | First locate and monitor the infestation | Monitoring trap , cockroach gel if appropriate | Follow product information and check approval |
| Oriental cockroach | approx. 28–30 mm, dark brown to black | Damp areas, basements, building services | Identify the infestation source and entry points | Monitoring + suitable control | Identifying the species before treatment is advisable |
| American cockroach | approx. 26–38 mm, reddish brown | Warm indoor areas, sometimes introduced from outside | Assess the extent of the infestation | Monitoring + suitable control | For more severe infestations, contact pest control professionals |
| Brown-banded cockroach | approx. 10–15 mm, light to dark brown | Residential and commercial spaces | Locate the infestation and identify the species | Monitoring + suitable control | Follow the product information |
Cockroach gel bait: nk Cockroach Gel Pro and Advion compared
nk Cockroach Gel Pro is a gel bait containing the active ingredient imidacloprid 2.15%, intended for targeted control of various cockroach species, including German, Oriental, and American cockroaches. According to the product information, the 10 g version offered by Kaeferling Pro is suitable for non-professional and professional users.
Advion Cockroach Gel, on the other hand, contains indoxacarb 1.28%. According to the product information, it is approved for use against various cockroach species as well as silverfish and paper fish. Advion is intended for professional users and comes in a 30 g cartridge.
Both products are gel baits for cockroach control, but they differ mainly in their active ingredient, target range, and user category. Choose the appropriate option based on the specific infestation and the relevant product and application instructions.
What helps against cockroaches in the kitchen and home
1. Check for an infestation
First check whether cockroaches are actually present and which species is involved. Monitoring traps can help identify infested areas and activity
2. Reduce food sources and hiding places
Store food in sealed containers, remove leftovers, and check potential hiding places and entry points.
3. Choose the appropriate control measure
The appropriate control measure depends on the cockroach species, severity of infestation, and area of use. For biocidal products, follow the labeling, instructions for use, and product information.
Cockroach gel bait: nk Cockroach Gel Pro and Advion compared
nk Cockroach Gel Pro is a gel bait containing the active ingredient imidacloprid 2.15%, intended for targeted control of various cockroach species, including German, Oriental, and American cockroaches. According to the product information, the 10 g version offered by Kaeferling Pro is suitable for non-professional and professional users.
Advion Cockroach Gel, on the other hand, contains indoxacarb 1.28%. According to the product information, it is approved for use against various cockroach species as well as silverfish and paper fish. Advion is intended for professional users and comes in a 30 g cartridge.
Both products are gel baits for cockroach control, but they differ mainly in their active ingredient, target range, and user category. Choose the appropriate option based on the specific infestation and the relevant product and application instructions.
4. Check the results
After treatment, continue checking for pest activity. Monitoring traps are also useful for follow-up inspections.
When should I seek professional help?
Seek professional assistance if a cockroach infestation is confirmed, severe, or recurring. This is particularly important in commercial settings such as restaurants and food processing facilities.
Kaeferling Service supports residential and commercial customers in Cologne, Hürth, and the surrounding area with infestation identification, professional treatment, and follow-up inspections.
→ Professional cockroach control with Kaeferling Service
Frequently asked questions about cockroaches
Is “Kakalake” the correct spelling?
No. The correct spelling is Kakerlake. Colloquially, cockroaches are also called Schaben in German.
What should I do if I find a cockroach in the kitchen?
Check for other signs of an infestation and use monitoring traps if needed. If an infestation is confirmed or more severe, professional assistance is recommended.
What immediate steps should I take if I find cockroaches?
Seal food, remove food scraps, and check for potential hiding places and entry points. Then choose the appropriate control method based on the cockroach species and the severity of the infestation.
What should I keep in mind around children and pets?
Use pest control products only in accordance with the label and instructions for use. Pay particular attention to application instructions, safety precautions, and keeping products out of reach of children and animals.
Further reading:
Find out more about the causes, identification and cockroach infestations in our comprehensive guide to cockroaches and roaches
Cockroaches and roaches - causes, identification and control
