What is a Cockroach?

Cockroaches are scavenging insects that resemble beetles, always having longer
antennae and legs and typically a broad, flattened body. Colours range from brown,
beige, red and black with freshly molted cockroaches being white in colour. They
normally seek out not just rotting or leftover food, they’ve been known to consume
fresh foods, glues, soaps, grease, spices and pet food as well. Cockroaches are
walking garbage cans and will literally eat almost anything including each other!
They can normally breed very rapidly averaging dozens of nymphs per egg every
few weeks.

Cockroaches in Canada? Where?

Cockroaches in Alberta? Where?

More specifically in Alberta, the most common species found is the German
Cockroach. Again, typically found in structures like residential homes, high density
living, hotels, commercial properties, emergency facilities, utility areas, anywhere
there’s a source of food, heat and moisture. It is rare to find them thriving naturally
outside in the elements, however during the warmest months they can survive
outside. This makes cockroach extermination more predictable yet normally a
challenge. There is never a cookie cutter approach to cockroach control, the biggest
reason is they understand the structure they’re in, not just certain rooms or hallways.

What is Typical Cockroach Behavior and Their Risks?

For German Cockroaches, they tend to show more preference for warmer and humid
places. They are normally located in residential and commercial kitchen and
bathroom areas. However, never believe this to be always the case, cockroach
infestation can occur in any area where you eat and drink. For residential homes this
includes areas such as the dining room, living room, bedrooms and closets. Any
crack or crevice located near a source of food or water can promote sanctuary for
them. Normally openings three eighths of an inch or less is enough space for them to
access.
Their activity patterns do vary on several conditions, stage of life, diet, physical and
mental health. Normally they are nocturnal insects and are dominantly most active
during evening and night times, however if conditions are met where it’s dark, warm
and humid in the home or business they can wander at any time. In the unfortunate
event you witness German cockroaches in the daylight living as normal, undisturbed,
the chances of a more advanced infestation is much greater as they may be running
out of room.
German Cockroaches are stealthy hitchhikers and often gain access to your home or
business in grocery bags, food and drink containers, cardboard boxes, second hand
appliances like ovens/stove tops, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves, electronics,
etc. They have been known to migrate to adjacent buildings through improper
disposal of appliances, furniture and other personal belongings.
This doesn’t only mean cockroaches can spread and live in dirty or unkept homes,
they have been known to thrive in the cleanest and organized homes as well. They
ultimately need heat and moisture to survive. Picking at whatever food they can get
from anywhere in the home. A clean home is important to hinder their development
and spread as best as possible.
German cockroaches here in Canada are fast movers and they do have wings,
however over the many generations and the way our homes are built, they forgot
how to fly. At best, they may flutter downwards. Rest assured they also do not bite
humans.
Besides being a nuisance pest, German cockroaches have been linked to the spread
of germs, bacteria and parasites to our food, ourselves and our pets. Normally
causing some sort of illness or allergic reaction. This is picked up and transported
by their barbed legs and body as they maneuver through decaying matter or sewage
which is then brought to your food and other surfaces. In some cases it has been
known to trigger asthma attacks, especially in children. This makes cockroach
control a top priority and highly recommended by a professional pest control
company such as Major Pest Control.

What are the Signs of a Cockroach Infestation?

German cockroaches prefer to live in warm, humid areas close to food and water
sources. This can be the kitchen, bathroom and utility areas in the home or business,
these are the more likely locations for an infestation to occur. Their scat is normally
faaaaaaound where they live the most, this can appear as small, dark “coffee ground” like
substance left on countertops, cupboards or drawers. Depending on their diet, it can
also appear as a blackened splatter or smear, normally found along tops of doors,
cracks and crevices into walls and near cabinets, appliances and hanging items.
As their numbers grow they will develop a smell overtime, this has been reported to
be a mild to strong musty odor depending on the infestation and overall conditions of
the home.
Their eggs may resemble small brown tic-tacs, they can be laid anywhere in the
home, normally closer to areas of heat and moisture. These are normally laid every
28 days and consist of 40-50 nymphs per egg.
Adult German cockroaches are light brown or beige in colour with two dark, semi
parallel stripes located on their backs. Female German cockroaches tend to be a
darker hue over the males. The nymphs are a darker brown/beige to black in colour
with similar striping on their backs.

How do I get rid of a Cockroach Infestation?

The best way to get rid of a cockroach infestation is to hire a professional pest
control company in your local area such as Major Pest Control. As DIY methods and
other online remedies are very difficult and time consuming plus very stressful, they
are known to have little to no results especially for growing and advanced
infestations.
There are several methods and a wide arsenal of products available for professional
companies, most of the time these products are licensed and can only be bought
and handled by them. The best results come from commercial grade licensed
products. As the way our world develops so does the products we use, most higher
grade products have no smell and are more eco friendly.
There is no one and done style of treatment for cockroaches, be prepared for
multiple treatments by a professional pest control company to address the rapid
reproductive rate.
Besides hiring a professional pest control company for extermination, having safe
food storage and a clean home is crucial. Some tips for this are making sure all open
foods and pet foods, fresh and dry are in lockable containers. Putting open food up
high on a shelf in a cupboard is not good enough as German cockroaches are
nimble and clever. This not only removes a readily available food source from them,
it also protects you and your families health as cockroaches are known to spread
germs, bacteria and parasites to our food and pets food. This is done by them being
near or around rotting food, sewage and other dirty environments.
Make sure there is good sanitation practice within the home as well, a clean home,
kitchen and washroom are important. Cleaning of crumbs, wiping spills of sauces,
grease, pops and liquor and vacuuming often. Try to avoid leaving dishes piling up in
the sink with food and other waste debris.
Ensure that there is no build up of moisture within the home, this can sometimes
lead to a mold growing environment. German cockroaches will be especially
attracted here, not necessarily the mold itself.
Cockroach treatment is vital, it ensures the safety and wellbeing of you and your
family. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, the sooner cockroach control can
be done, the sooner the problem will be solved.