Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common pest for both residential and commercial properties. Ignoring a cockroach infestation can lead to disease in your household or establishment. The two most common in Toronto are German and Oriental Cockroaches.
German Cockroach
Oriental Cockroach
Cockroaches in Toronto
While there are many types of cockroaches around the world, in Toronto and the GTA we mainly see the following five cockroaches: German, Oriental, American, Brown-banded, and Wood roach. The German cockroach is the most common of the five and is a very prolific breeder. While some people believe cockroaches are the result of unsanitary conditions, we regularly see cockroach infestations in the cleanest kitchens. They are very hard to prevent as they can be brought into a home in boxes or groceries bags. They seem to be able to find food in the most minute crack or crevice. Occasionally people bring cockroaches home from vacations in the southern U.S. or the Caribbean.
They are most commonly found around the ground-floor of buildings, although sometimes can be discovered on higher levels. They are known to love water therefore can be located in sewers, drains, basements, cellars, under sinks, baths or washing machines.
German Cockroaches
Adult German cockroaches are recognized by their light brown to tan colouring with two dark, almost parallel stripes, located on their backs. Their nymphs are dark brown to black in colour with the same dark stripes located on their backs.
German cockroaches are relatively small, they are approximately 1.5 cm in length. The female reproduces rapidly, having up to 7 sets of offspring during her lifetime and producing as many as 40 eggs at a time. While German cockroaches have wings, they rarely fly. Instead, they prefer to run.
German Cockroach Prevetion Tips
1.
The best advice for german cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. Empty your trash cans often and keep them clean. Clean up crumbs from counters and floors daily, including spilled pet food.
2.
Sweep and vacuum your home frequently. Keep appliances clean of food and grease.
3.
Keep food (including pet food) sealed in airtight containers. Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight. Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
4.
On the exterior of the home, seal all possible entry points with a silicone-based caulk, paying close attention to cracks around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines. Additionally, fortify all entrances around utility pipes and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are a shiny black to a dark reddish-brown colour the adult cockroach is approximately 1 inch in length.
This cockroach feeds on all kinds of food, especially decaying organic matter, starchy foods and garbage.
Oriental cockroaches gain entry into households by going under doors and through gaps beneath siding, as well as following pipes, sewers and drains into a structure. They prefer humid, dark and concealed areas, such as basements and crawlspaces, ducting and other underground parts of buildings.
Oriental Cockroach Prevention Tips
1.
The best advice for oriental cockroach control is to practice good sanitation. To prevent oriental cockroaches from infesting a home, vacuum often and keep a spotless kitchen.
2.
Consider using a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.
3.
On the exterior of the home, seal all possible entry points with a silicone-based caulk, paying close attention to cracks around doors, windows, pipes and utility lines. Additionally, fortify all entrances around utility pipes and ventilate crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
4.
Since oriental cockroaches are very dependent on water, eliminate sources of standing water and divert water away from the home’s foundation with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.