FACTS & INFORMATION ABOUT COCKROACHES FROM ONTARIO'S LEADING PEST CONTROL COMPANY

There are over 4,500 cockroach species worldwide. In fact, cockroaches are the most resilient, adaptable pest on the planet and have been traced back to prehistoric times (350 million years ago to the Paleozoic era).

Cockroaches originated from the tropics and prefer to live in environments that are humid and warm. This preference for warmth and moisture has not stopped them from extending their reach across the world, making habitats in a wide range of environments including arctic cold.  They seek out habitats that provide heat, moisture, and food, which is why cockroaches regularly invade damp and warm places like bathrooms, kitchens and basements of houses, apartments, schools and commercial businesses.

Cockroaches enter homes and businesses:

• Through cracks in flooring around the outside of drains and live in dirty floor drains from the floor grate to the top of the water trap (about 4" in normal situations). In rare situations, generally in very old city downtown cores such as Toronto, where there is turn of the century sewers that are not functioning properly or are hidden, cockroaches can live in sewer systems and enter structures by travelling up through drains.

• By hitchhiking inside through groceries, luggage, and even used appliances which are already infestated with roaches.

Common Cockroaches in Canada

There are three common types of cockroaches found in homes or businesses in Canada:

• German cockroach

• Wood cockroach

• Oriental cockroach

Cockroaches are often depicted as dirty pests that are difficult to eliminate, once they have infested your home, office, or workplace. Here are some interesting facts about cockroaches:

• They can live with no food or water for week.

• Cockroaches lifespan is approximately 1 year.

• On average an adult cockroach is 1 and 5 cm in length with an oval, flattened body.

• They range in colour from black to reddish brown.

• All cockroaches have 6 legs, a pair of long antennae and while all species have wings, not all fly (and some jump)

• They can multiply very quickly as some females are able to produce an extremely high number of eggs (100-200) in their lifetime.

• Cockroaches are scavengers and will eat anything and everything from organic matter to fabric to soap and even glue.

• They are nocturnal and scatter when exposed to light.

• Cockroaches originated from the tropics and prefer hot and humid environments but can make habitats in arctic cold.

• Cockroaches are unsanitary as they crawl through sewers and garbage.

Having these pests in your home or business can be embarrassing, unnerving and unsettling. You can count on Environment Pest Control for expert cockroach removal. For your peace of mind, we’ve outlined the best methods for how to get rid of cockroaches and how to kill cockroaches.

Cockroaches are one of the most common and frustrating pests that homes and businesses can experience. They reproduce quickly and can pose serious health risks. 

We’ve been successfully dealing with Cockroach infestations since 1988 and have shared some of the most common questions that we are asked by customers about how to eliminate them.

Why do I suddenly have cockroaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to three things: food, moisture & shelter.

In homes or businesses, these common causes include:

• Food crumbs or spills
• Leaky pipes 
• Excess humidity
• Grocery bags or cardboard boxes brought inside
• Nearby infestations (especially in apartment or condo style living)

Correct identification is critical for effective treatment because different cockroach species behave differently. 

Are cockroaches dangerous?

Yes, cockroaches pose danger to humans. They are commonly known to:

• Spread bacteria including food borne illnesses like Salmonella and E. coli
• Trigger asthma and allergies
• Contaminate food and surfaces

Because they pose a serious health concern, prompt cockroach treatment is important..

What is the fastest way to get rid of cockroaches?

The fastest (and most effective way) to get rid of cockroaches is to work with a professional cockroach exterminator and follow the advice they give you during the process. This ensures treatment is effective and helps you prevent future issues.

In addition to a proper inspection, professional cockroach treatments include 2 parts:

1. Cleanout, which is a professional insecticide application.
2. Gel baiting, which is done 3-4 weeks later.  

These treatments combined, target cockroaches at every life stage. If an infestation is very large, a second cleanout could be necessary to gain control of the situation.

Why am I still seeing roaches after treatment?

It’s very common to see activity after the clean out and gel baiting treatments. The activity levels will vary based on the level of severity of roaches you are experiencing.

Possible reasons for still seeing cockroaches after treatment include:

• Life stage of cockroaches – Eggs may hatch after service
• Did not properly prepare for the initial cleanout
• Did not follow the Pest Technician’s recommendations for addressing the root issue (e.g. resolve issues with sanitation or moisture, fix holes or gaps), causing reinfestation
• Excessive cleaning in and around treated areas washed product away and minimized effectiveness
• DIY sprays interfering with professional pest control services
• Neighbouring units untreated in multi-family housing situations.
• Bait aversion
• Insufficient treatments or skipping one of the treatments
• Incorrect product usage or specie identification by inexperienced professional

It is important to work with a licensed professional who is experienced with cockroach control to ensure an infestation is handled properly from start to finish.

How do I prevent cockroaches from coming back?

Preventing cockroaches from coming back after eliminating an infestation (and preventing an issue in general) can be done by adopting new regular habits and ongoing upkeep such as:

• Always storing food (including pet food) in sealed airtight containers
• Cleaning kitchens and bathrooms daily, including sweeping and wiping up spills.
• Maintaining strong sanitation standards
• Fixing plumbing leaks
• Addressing moisture issues
• Sealing cracks and gaps around your home’s exterior

If you suspect a cockroach problem, early action prevents rapid population growth and costly infestations. Get peace of mind and faster, more effective results by seeking help from a licensed cockroach pest control expert.

In general, taking preventative measures is often always the most cost-effective way to keep away any unwanted bugs, insects and rodents.