Among the pests that homeowners despise the most are cockroaches. They have been in this world for thousands or million years, but most people see these insects as something unwelcome in their homes.
Though considered a nuisance, they like to be touched in all parts of their body. They may seem harmless, but they pose various health risks once it gets in your home. This is the reason why it is necessary to act against any form of infestation as soon as possible.
As a matter of fact, regardless of the species of cockroaches, they can easily pick up germs and spread them effortlessly. These germs usually stick on their legs and spread it when they crawl on any surface that may lead to food and water contamination.
Their presence is also associated with the increase in allergy and asthma attacks due to the potent allergens present in their shed skins, droppings, and saliva. Children are more affected by the presence of these allergens.
Types of Cockroaches Found in Canada
Regardless of the species, these pests can pose health problems. When dealing with an infestation, it is also important that you know the species that you’re dealing with. This will give you an advantage in the right methods to use to get rid of the pests effectively.
Some of the species you can find in Canada that include the American, Oriental, Brown Banded, and German. Find out more about these species below:
American Cockroach
These species love warmer climates. Though they prefer nesting outdoors, they are viciously known for invading homes. They are known for their size that ranges from 1.1 to 2 inches long.
Their colour is reddish brown and they can fly. Due to their size and colour, it is easy to spot them in your home. They love staying in dark damp areas like basements, bathrooms and under kitchen sinks.
Oriental Cockroach
Similar to the species above, these ones are also known for their large sizes. They can reach a length of 1 inch. You can also spot them with ease because of their dark brownish to black colour. Their bodies also have a greasy sheen.
With this species, they prefer moist and cool places. They also prefer outdoors. Since they love the cool temperatures, they often enter homes and commercial establishments when the summer months start. It is their way to escape the heat during this season.
Unlike females, males are much smaller. Males have wings, but they are not capable to fly. On the other hand, females don’t have wings.
Brown Banded Cockroach
Also called Supella Longipalpa, you can find this species throughout Canada including Ontario. They may be among the smallest but they are known for being the most invasive species throughout Canada. When they reach their adult phase, they can reach a length of 14.5 mm.
They got their names from the colour of the transverse bands on their wings that has light brown to tan colours. This cockroach prefers warm damp areas. They will seek shelter in your home to live comfortably.
These pests are able to access your home through infested grocery items, electronics, and furniture. Once you bring these items inside, they will easily get access to food sources. In no time, they will settle in your home for good.
They feed on pretty much anything. Due to this, they can cause health risks through cross-contamination. As they crawl on everything in your kitchen and living areas, contamination is difficult to prevent.
They are known to carry protozoa and bacteria that cause diarrhea and gastroenteritis. These insects can also trigger allergies and asthma.
German Cockroach
These cockroaches love taking up residence in apartments, restaurants, and homes. They are small with a length that ranges between 1/2 and 3/8 of an inch. Though they have wings, they prefer crawling really fast instead of flying. In fact, they are among the fastest species.
Their colour appears light brown to tan. You will also find at least two black horizontal lines behind their head. A female can lay 100,000 offspring every year, which is necessary to address an infestation immediately.
Australian Cockroach
Also called as Periplaneta Australasia, these species are found across Canada. Their colour is usually reddish brown to dark brown and has yellow markings on the front edges of their wings and the top part of the heads.
As compared to the American cockroaches, they are slightly smaller. Their wings can be approximately 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inch long and can extend it over their abdomens. They are commonly called as shad cockroaches.
The most common way to get these cockroaches in your home is the availability of food, warmth, and moisture. Commercial buildings with lots of humidity can also attract these pests, especially during winter months. They can enter your home through small holes, cracks, and open windows.
They can contaminate all available starchy pantry items they can access and even feed on plants. These pests can also bring more allergens as they enter your home. They are also known for their high breeding rate.
If you are suspecting an infestation, first things you should look for are egg cases, nymphs, and adults. These are basic yet important signs that require fast action.
When trying to resolve an infestation, identifying the type of cockroaches in your home plays a crucial role in getting the right treatment methods. Whether you are going to treat your home on your own or call experts, proper identification helps in resolving the issue quickly.
How to Prevent an Infestation from Getting Worse
There are various ways that you can do to prevent cockroaches from entering your home. You can also use these ways to control infestations and avoid bigger problems. Some of the things you can do are:
· Store food in tightly sealed containers
It is important that you don’t give them a reason to stay longer in your home. By hiding your food in sealable containers, they will find your home unsuitable for breeding.
· Always keep your home clean
Make it a habit to wash dirty dishes and clean your home. Exert extra efforts in maintaining a clean home as it will also prevent infestations from other pests.
· Seal cracks and holes around your home
Don’t give these cockroaches entrances. Inspect your home for cracks and holes and have them sealed properly.
In addition to these, you can also use various products to control a cockroach infestation. With the right products, you will get the ease of reducing the population of these insects and prevent them from continuously breeding.
If the situation is no longer possible to control, you can always resort to the use of pest control service. Experts will handle the infestation and make sure to leave your home pest-free.
