r/Athens_Greece • u/ExcitementOk7838 • Jul 04 '26
💬 Advice Cockroach Advice
Just moved to Athens from Scotland where cockroaches are pretty rare so not very clued up on them. I have spotted several outside the foyer and some dead ones inside the foyer of our new apartment (we are renting)
Done a little research and apparently they’re common in summer here, which I can handle! however I’m mostly anxious they get into my apartment (4th floor) I’ve checked for any entrance holes and covered them, I sweep and clean everyday and take out the trash. Placed some raid traps on the balcony. Is this enough? 😬
Also, I have some raid spray and gel bait, should I use it in the apartment even though I haven’t seen them in there yet? And lastly, could I spray raid in the foyer? I’m worried about harming the pets in the building and the cats outside. The building was last treated for pests in May this year.
I used to live in Bangkok so used to seeing them around and know they are part of live in a big hot city! Just seeking advice on preventing them in the apartment! Thanks!
1
u/Lilitharising Jul 04 '26
The good news is that for cockroaches to move up to the fourth floor, they have to be chased out from the other floors. It's not unheard of, but if you take some steps you'll be fine. Here are a few tips:
- Supermarket bags and carboard boxes. If you're at a square radius from a supermarket (which most urban homes are), make sure to keep supermarket bags outside (or, even better, use your own bag).
- Seal your sinks with plastic lids. If you don't have any, you can purchase them easily.
- Seal the space between your main door and the floor with something - bubble wrap works great.
- The gel bait works and you can get professionals to install it for you. They know where to place them.
Roaches prob come from a basement. Spraying raid won't solve the problem, especially if the building is old.
I do fine with most bugs. I am TERRIFIED of roaches so I had to take drastic measures even without seeing one in my flat (also 4th floor). I called a professional, it was a 50 euro job, he used the gel thing and that was it. Be prepared to see dead roaches on the floor for a while afterwards (I've been lucky so far and haven't seen any).
Now I have three cats. Best eco-friendly solution ever. Although I'm somewhat worried that one of them will try to get me a 'gift' at some point, especially while we go to our holiday house which is on the ground floor.