An honest, practical guide for city dwellers
Moving into a new house should feel like a fresh chapter not a continuation of a roach problem you were hoping to leave behind. Unfortunately, cockroaches are excellent hitchhikers. If you’re already dealing with them, they can easily move with you unless you take deliberate steps before, during, and after relocation. This guide is written for city dwellers living in apartments, estates, and shared compounds, and it focuses on realistic, natural methods that actually work with professional help as the last option.
🐜 Why roaches thrive in urban homes
Cities provide the perfect environment for cockroaches: shared drainage systems, constant warmth, easy access to food, and closely packed housing where one infested unit affects the next. In Nairobi and Kiambu, the most common types are German cockroaches (small, fast, and kitchen-focused) and American cockroaches (larger, sewer-linked, and common in flats). They hide in cardboard boxes, electronics, furniture joints, kitchen appliances, bags, and even shoes — which is why many people unknowingly transport them during a move.
🔁 Start reducing the infestation before you move
If you move first and plan to deal with roaches later, you’re already giving them a head start. The goal is to reduce their numbers as much as possible before packing begins.
🧽 Deep cleaning is non‑negotiable. Wash dishes immediately, wipe grease from cabinets and walls, clean under appliances like cookers and fridges, and take out trash daily. Roaches survive on crumbs you don’t even notice.
📦 Declutter aggressively. Fewer hiding places mean fewer roaches. Get rid of unused cardboard boxes, paper bags, and old newspapers. Cardboard is essentially a free roach hotel.
🍚 Seal all food completely. Use airtight plastic or glass containers, avoid leaving food in open sufurias overnight, and store pet food securely. No food means no reason for roaches to stay.
🌿 Natural methods that actually help when used correctly
Boric acid is one of the most effective low-toxicity options. Apply a very thin layer in cracks, behind cabinets, and under sinks (keep it away from children and pets). Roaches walk through it, ingest it while grooming, and die slowly — spreading it to others.
Additionally, baking soda mixed with sugar can help with small infestations when placed in shallow lids near hiding areas, while food‑grade diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating roaches when lightly applied in dry cracks and crevices. These methods are not instant, but consistency matters more than speed.
📦 Pack smart — even when moving day is tight
In a fast-paced life, most moves happen in one planned day, so the goal is not perfection but reducing risk. Start by avoiding old or supermarket boxes where possible, especially for kitchen items. Prioritize washing and drying clothes a day or two before moving, then keep them sealed until loading. Wipe down electronics and appliances quickly with a dry cloth to remove crumbs and moisture. Pack kitchen items as late as possible and transport them early so they don’t sit around overnight. If packing must happen in the evening, keep lights on and work quickly — roaches prefer darkness. When you notice roaches during packing, isolate that box, seal it, and clean the area before continuing. Small adjustments like these fit into a busy schedule but significantly reduce the chances of carrying roaches with you.
🏠 Prepare the new house before moving in
Even a house that looks clean may already host roaches. Clean thoroughly before bringing in your belongings, seal cracks around sinks and doors, ensure drainage points are covered, and avoid leaving food or water out overnight. For the first seven days, monitor at night, keep the kitchen dry, and avoid clutter — early action prevents a full infestation.
🚫 Common myths that don’t help
Roaches don’t always mean a dirty home — shared plumbing spreads them easily. Natural methods do work when applied correctly and consistently. And one spray rarely solves the problem because it kills visible roaches, not nests.
⚖️ When natural methods are no longer enough
Natural control works best for mild to moderate infestations when hygiene is strict and effort is consistent. Professional help may be necessary if roaches persist despite your efforts, appear during the day, affect multiple units, or if you’re moving and want zero risk of transfer.
At Ekom Professional Cleaners, we believe education comes first, prevention is better than chemicals, and treatment should be targeted and responsible. Exhaust natural options first — and when they fail, expert support ensures the problem is handled safely, effectively, and long‑term.
✨ Final thought
Moving is your opportunity to break the roach cycle. With the right preparation and discipline, you can start fresh without carrying unwanted guests into your new home. A clean move today saves months of frustration tomorrow.
Need guidance, deep cleaning, or professional pest control support?
Ekom Professional Cleaners is here when you need us — after you’ve tried the natural way.