All About Cockroaches: Pest Library - Major Pest Control Red Deer

Major Pest Control Pest Information Library. Helpful information on Cockroaches in Canada And How To Control Cockroaches .

Cockroaches: Description

While more than 4,500 cockroach species are found globally, fewer than 50 are considered pest species that invade homes and other structures. Of these, the most common cockroach species found in Canada and throughout North America is the German cockroach. Several other species of structure-infesting cockroaches are found in Canada, including the American cockroach, oriental cockroach, brown-banded cockroach, and wood cockroach.

Cockroaches are among the most adaptable insects known and are able to persist in any location that provides enough food, moisture, and heat. Cockroaches frequently invade homes and other structures in search of favorable habitats: those that are warm and damp and near food and water sources. As such, they commonly reside in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, greenhouses, or other rooms with plumbing pipes. Cockroaches tend to be nocturnal and typically hide during the day and are active at night. They rapidly flee when disturbed and easily travel between rooms.

What is a Cockroaches Diet?

Cockroaches are omnivorous (can eat nearly anything) and feed upon a variety of scavenged foods. When living outdoors, they typically feed on dead or decaying vegetation or other organic matter. When living indoors, cockroaches will feed on a wide variety of items used by humans including common pantry items, leather, fabric, glue, soap, and toothpaste. Cockroaches tend to be attracted to substances high in sugar or starch. Cockroaches can persist for weeks in the absence of food or water.

How long do Cockroaches live?

Typically cockroaches live up to one year. During their lifetimes, female cockroaches may produce 100 to 200 eggs. These eggs are produced in a protective egg case which female cockroaches deposit in discreet and protected locations; however some cockroach species carry the egg case until the eggs are ready to hatch. Eggs incubate for two to three months before hatching. When the eggs hatch, nymphs are released. Nymphs undergo a process called metamorphosis that transforms their bodies. As nymphs grow, they must molt their skins several times on their way to developing into adults. The stages between each molt are called instar stages, and most cockroaches go through six or seven instar stages in the process of becoming adults. A cockroach completes its life cycle within four months to a year. The length of time it takes for a cockroach to fully develop from an egg into an adult is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.

Types Of Cockroaches

The scientific name of the German cockroach is Blattella germanica. Adults are 13 to 16 mm in length, while immature cockroaches may be a few millimeters in length. They are light brown to tan in color, have elongated, wide, flattened bodies, possess six legs and two long antennae, and lack the ability to fly. As omnivorous scavengers, German cockroaches feed on nearly anything but prefer foods with a high content of sugar, starch, or oils. Within homes and other structures, German cockroaches infest in areas that provide sources of food, moisture, and warmth, such as within and around household appliances, kitchens, bathrooms, under sinks, dishwashers, pantries, storage closets, and medicine cabinets.

COCKROACHES – Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns

Why do I have cockroaches?

Cockroaches are omnivorous scavengers and enter homes and other structures seeking sources of food, moisture, and warmth. Environments that are unclean or unsanitary can be predisposed to cockroach infestations. Cockroaches infest within and around household appliances, kitchens, bathrooms, under sinks, dishwashers, pantries, storage closets, and medicine cabinets. They can easily travel between rooms when foraging. Cockroaches will eat nearly anything but are particularly attracted to foods with a high content of sugar, starch, or oils. You can prevent cockroach infestations by storing food and pantry items in airtight containers, promptly cleaning up spills, removing trash daily, washing dishes regularly, and cleaning and vacuuming regularly to remove food crumbs. You can prevent cockroaches from invading by sealing cracks and crevices in and around walls and floors and by repairing any plumbing leaks or cracks. Additionally, using a dehumidifier can reduce excess moisture in the home, creating an inhospitable environment for cockroaches.

Do cockroaches fly?

The majority of cockroach species can fly. In Canada, however, the German cockroach is the predominant pest species, which possesses wings but does not fly and instead does short downward gliding. Other cockroach species found in Canada may be able to fly for short distances, such as brown-banded cockroaches and wood cockroaches. While some cockroaches possess varying degrees of flying capabilities, cockroaches are better adapted to running than flying.

How worried should I be about cockroaches?

Cockroach infestations create unsanitary conditions that can pose threats to human health. Consuming cockroach-contaminated foods may cause food poisoning while exposure to cockroach feces is linked to negative health effects, especially in individuals with asthma. As cockroaches crawl through garbage and sewers and onto kitchen countertops, they may spread harmful bacteria such as coliforms, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Once cockroaches have invaded the home, elimination is extremely challenging. They have the ability to survive in the absence of food and water. Cockroach eggs are protected from insecticides by an egg case which means that even when you kill adults, newly hatched cockroaches are ready to replace them. The only way to achieve complete eradication of a cockroach infestation is by employing the services of a trusted and reputable professional pest control company, like Major Pest Control.

Do cockroaches cause allergies?

Many individuals have immune systems that react to harmless substances such as pollen and dust. It has been documented that cockroaches trigger allergic responses in around 12% of the population with no other allergies. Roughly 33% of individuals that are sensitive to other allergens also experience allergic reactions due to cockroaches. Sensitive individuals may be triggered to have allergic reactions when exposed to cockroach feces, salvia, dead bodies, and molted skins. These allergens may become particulate and airborne within the home, potentially irritating the respiratory systems of people who live in or visit the home. Allergic reactions as the result of cockroach exposure may manifest as sinus congestion, rash, sore throat, and eye irritation. If allergic symptoms are experienced year round, this may be indicative of cockroach infestation given that most allergies are seasonal. Additionally, allergic reactions to
cockroaches may aggravate asthma conditions in susceptible asthmatics.

Do cockroaches bite?

While considered rare and is associated with extreme infestations, cockroaches have mouth parts that are able to bite the flesh of humans and pets. The area around the bite may swell or become red and irritated. As with any insect bite, cockroach bites bear an infection risk. When infected, a cockroach bite will increase in size, becoming inflamed and pus-filled. When cockroaches target humans, they typically bite the fingers and skin around the nails.

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All About Cockroaches - Pest Library Canada - Cockroaches Control

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Common Types Of Cockroaches In Canada. Why they like your house, lawn, and garden, and how best to control them. Frequently asked questions about ants. Answered by a certified associate entomologist. Pest Control In Canada. Courtesy Of Major Pest Control Canada.

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Major Pest Control