Anyone who discovers a cockroach in a restaurant kitchen should first secure exposed food and not continue using food that may be contaminated. The location and time of discovery should then be documented, the cockroach species identified and the infestation contained using monitoring traps. If a cockroach infestation is confirmed, the German Environment Agency recommends professional control.
What exactly are kitchen cockroaches?
The term “kitchen cockroach” is often used generally for cockroaches found in kitchens. The German Environment Agency specifically refers to the Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) as the kitchen cockroach. However, the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is also common in kitchens and food businesses. Cockroaches prefer dark, warm and damp areas and hide, for example, behind kitchen fixtures, in cracks or near sources of moisture and food.
Source: German Environment Agency – Identifying and controlling cockroaches
Products for monitoring and controlling cockroaches in kitchens compared
| Product | Active ingredient/mode of action | Use | Users | Pack/price | Safety |
| Catchmaster cockroach trap 100i | Chemical-free glue trap for monitoring | Kitchens, catering, storage and food areas | Monitoring in private and commercial settings | 75 pieces / €29.99 | Contains no chemical active ingredient, primarily used to monitor infestations |
| Advion cockroach gel | Indoxacarb 1.28%, active ingredient is activated after ingestion | Catering, food areas, hotels and more | Professional users | 30 g / €40.99 | Biocidal product; including H412, observe the label and application instructions |
| nk Schabengel pro | Imidacloprid 2.15% as a gel bait | Restaurants, food processing, hotels and more | 10 g version for non-professional and professional users | 6 x 10 g / €59.99 | Biocidal product; read the label and product information |
What to do about cockroaches in a restaurant kitchen
1. Secure food and affected areas
Protect exposed food and do not continue using food that may be contaminated. Keep affected areas clean until the situation has been clarified and protect food from contamination.
Source: EU Regulation 852/2004 on food hygiene
2. Monitor the infestation and identify the cockroach species
Inspect the locations where cockroaches were found and place monitoring traps along possible travel routes. Accurate species identification helps determine the appropriate control method.
3. Reduce food sources and hiding places
Store food in closed containers, remove leftovers and waste, and inspect and clean cracks, crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
4. Determine the appropriate control method
The appropriate measure depends on the cockroach species, the severity of the infestation and the area of use. For biocidal products, always observe the authorization, user category, label and instructions for use.
Source: BAuA – TRGS 540: Use of biocidal products
→ Discover cockroach products and cockroach kits
5. Document the infestation and measures taken
Document locations where cockroaches are found, monitoring points, catches and measures taken. Then check regularly whether pest activity continues.
When is professional cockroach control advisable?
The German Environment Agency recommends professional control in the event of a confirmed cockroach infestation. This applies especially to severe or recurring infestations, infestations that are difficult to locate, and sensitive areas such as restaurants and commercial kitchens.
Kaeferling Service supports catering and commercial customers in Cologne, Hürth and the surrounding area with professional infestation analysis, treatment, monitoring and documentation.
Professional cockroach control with Kaeferling Service
Frequently asked questions about German cockroaches and answers
How can I recognize German cockroaches?
Typical signs include visible cockroaches, droppings or shed skins in dark, warm areas. The cockroach species should be identified as reliably as possible.
What should I do if I find a cockroach in a restaurant kitchen?
Protect food, document where the cockroach was found and use monitoring traps to check whether more cockroaches are present. If an infestation is confirmed, seek professional help.
Can food still be used after a cockroach infestation?
Food that may be contaminated should not be used further. Food must be protected from contamination.
Are glue traps sufficient to control German cockroaches?
Glue traps are primarily used for monitoring and follow-up checks. In the event of a confirmed infestation, further measures are often required.
Can any employee apply cockroach gel?
No, that depends on the product. According to the product information, nk Schabengel Pro 10 g is intended for professional and non-professional users, while Advion Schabengel is intended for professional users only.
What should be considered when children and pets are present?
Use biocidal products only in accordance with the label and instructions for use, and observe the relevant access and safety instructions.
When should a professional pest controller be called?
In the event of a confirmed, severe or recurring infestation, as well as in sensitive catering and food-handling areas, professional assistance is advisable.
More on this topic: Find information on cockroach species, typical hiding places, causes of infestation and control in our detailed guide to cockroaches.
