Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests. These insects are known for their resilience and ability to survive in almost any environment, making them a challenging pest to control. Getting rid of them requires a thorough treatment process from experts.
In Canada, there are several types of cockroaches that home and business owners, including pest control professionals, encounter. Understanding the different types of cockroaches and their habits can help you identify them and prevent infestations.
5 Types of Cockroaches Found in Canada
With a range of climates and environments, Canada is home to several types of cockroaches. If you wonder, are cockroaches a problem in Canada? Yes, especially during the colder months. Here are the 5 most common types of cockroaches found in Canada:
- Australian Cockroach
Periplaneta Australasia, also known as shad cockroach, is a species of cockroach that can be found throughout Canada. They typically have reddish-brown to dark brown colouration and yellow markings on the front edges of their wings and the top of their heads.
These cockroaches are slightly smaller than American cockroaches and have wings that can extend 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inches over their abdomens. They are attracted to environments with food, warmth, and moisture, making commercial buildings with high humidity a prime target, especially during the winter months.
This makes them a primary target for commercial pest control services. These pests can contaminate starchy pantry items and feed on plants, bringing allergens into the home. They have a high breeding rate and can enter homes through small holes, cracks, and open windows.
Identifying egg cases, nymphs, and adults is crucial when suspecting an infestation. Proper identification is essential for effective treatment methods.
- American Cockroach
The American cockroach thrives in warmer weather and has a tendency to make its home outdoors, but is infamous for infiltrating houses. These cockroaches are recognized for their size, which can range from 1 to 2 inches in length, and have a reddish-brown hue.
They possess the ability to fly and are easily noticeable in residential settings due to their size and colour. This makes them a prime reason for home & cottage pest control services. They have a preference for dark and damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and the underside of the kitchen sink.
- Brown-Banded Cockroach
The Brown-banded cockroach, also known as Supella Longipalpa, can be found throughout Canada, including in Ontario. Despite their small size, they are recognized as the most invasive cockroach species in Canada, reaching a length of 14.5 mm in adulthood.
They are named for the light brown to tan transverse bands on their wings. This species prefers warm and damp environments and will seek refuge in homes for shelter. They can enter your home through contaminated grocery items, electronics, and furniture, gaining access to food sources and eventually establishing themselves in your home.
These pests are indiscriminate eaters, posing a potential health risk through cross-contamination. Due to their crawling nature, it is challenging to prevent contamination as they can carry protozoa and bacteria that cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis, as well as trigger allergies and asthma.
- German Cockroach
The German cockroach is known for seeking refuge in apartments, restaurants, and homes. They are small in size, measuring between 1/2 and 3/8 of an inch, and while they possess wings, they primarily crawl at a very fast pace rather than fly.
They are one of the fastest cockroach species. They have a light brown to tan colour and are identifiable by at least 2 black horizontal lines located behind their head. You must take action quickly in the event of an infestation, as a single female can lay up to 100,000 offspring each year.
- Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach, like the American cockroach, is also known for its large size, growing up to an inch in length. They are easily identifiable by their dark-brownish to black colour and the greasy sheen that covers their body.
These cockroaches prefer cool and moist environments, and they are commonly found outside. However, during the summer months when temperatures rise, they may seek refuge in homes and commercial buildings to escape the heat. Males of this species are smaller than females and have wings but are not capable of flying, whereas females do not have wings.
Prevention Tips
Keeping pests under control is a crucial component in sustaining a hygienic and wholesome living space. One of the most common pests found in households is cockroaches, which can pose a significant health risk. To prevent infestations, it is crucial to implement effective pest control strategies such as:
- Prevent access
Cockroaches are naturally drawn to facilities that offer food, water, and shelter, but there are measures you can take to prevent their intrusion.
These include caulking around utility lines and outlets, installing door sweeps or weather stripping on exterior doors, and ensuring all vents, screens, and windows are tightly sealed.
- Maintain cleanliness
Maintaining a clean environment is crucial to avoid attracting cockroaches, as they are often drawn to clutter, food and trash.
To prevent infestation, it is recommended to establish a strict sanitation routine, which includes cleaning up food scraps and debris, keeping garbage cans covered, and regularly sweeping and mopping areas where cockroaches may hide, such as under appliances and furniture.
- Fix water leaks
Cockroaches require water and moisture to survive. They thrive in humid environments. Even a minor water leak can attract them, so always fix water leaks right away.
- Monitor for presence regularly
To prevent cockroach infestations, it is important to monitor regularly for any signs. Inspecting deliveries or shipments for cockroach droppings, egg capsules, and odours is also important.
If you have a cockroach infestation in your home or business, it is important to hire a professional pest control service to handle the problem. Mr. Pest Control is a reliable and experienced company that specializes in pest control in Collingwood and the surrounding areas.
They can provide customized treatment plans to eliminate the infestation and prevent future problems. Don’t let cockroaches take over your space, contact us today and take the first step towards a pest-free environment.
