Feeling disgusted? Be aware that there’s always a way out!

Oh. My. Gosh! You’ve spotted a family of cockroaches in one of your kitchen cupboards and you are pretty sure that you will find more.  

It’s quite hard to undertake cockroach removal as cockroaches multiply very quickly and it’s even harder to believe the fact that very few people are aware of the harmful effects of cockroach infestations. 

People susceptible to allergies and those suffering from asthma are more likely to be affected due to cockroach infestations and it is a real fact that cockroaches transmit bacteria and viruses. If you are not aware of the health consequences that cockroaches produce or if you are least bothered to seek professional help, you are putting your family at risk.

Professional cockroach control becomes a necessity when you have a cockroach infestation. Professional exterminators, employed by pest control companies, adopt the most appropriate methods to eliminate cockroaches as well as dealing with the health issues associated with cockroach infestation. 

We, at Coutts Pest Control, use the most effective treatments. If you have detected a cockroach infestation at your home or office, contact us for inspection and consultation. Fill out the form on the right to schedule your cockroach extermination. 

Identification:

To the untrained eye, all cockroaches may look alike. However, there are actually five species of significance. German, Brown-banded, Oriental, American and Common Wood cockroaches are all unwelcome pests.

The most common cockroach in Canada is the German cockroach. It has a flattened oval body with long spiny legs and measures 15 mm (3/4") when fully grown. Both male and female are winged. Color is light brown with two dark brown stripes running lengthwise on the thorax (middle section).

Cockroach Habitat

The main attractions for a cockroach are food, water and shelter. To them, almost anything is food - any foodstuff, paper, cloth, plants and even glue used for binding books. They can be found in every part of the home, but most prefer some kind of damp environment. Since most cockroaches are active at night, many people may be completely unaware of their presence in their home. Cockroaches are a public health concern because they have been known to carry Salmonella bacteria - the organisms responsible for food poisoning.

Although some people worry that admitting to an infestation of cockroaches indicates poor housekeeping, at times even the most conscientious housekeeper may find it impossible to avoid an infestation.

Cockroach Life Cycle

The German female cockroach carries an egg capsule containing approximately 40 eggs which she drops prior to hatching. Development from eggs to adults takes three to four months and cockroaches live up to a year. The female may produce up to eight egg cases in her lifetime. An infestation of cockroaches can number in the thousands.

Cockroach Prevention

Although little can be done to prevent an infestation, the practice of good sanitation and the elimination of accessible food are ways to minimize the extent of the infestation. Careful inspection of produce or packages entering the home can help to prevent cockroaches from establishing themselves in your building.

Cockroaches can wreak havoc on your home. To win the war in cockroach control, here’s what you should know:

• Entry: Cockroaches can enter your home in many different ways, from the outside through cracks and crevices, vents, sewer and drain pipes. We even bring them in on products like grocery bags, boxes, purses and on our person!
• Ideal environment: Your home is an ideal breeding ground most species of cockroaches. With plenty of food, warmth, water and nesting sites, they can remain active all year round.
• Reproduction: Cockroaches reproduce quickly. For every one you see there can be many, many more hiding and multiplying behind your walls.
• Evasiveness: Because cockroaches are nocturnal, if you’ve seen one, you probably haven’t seen them all. The few cockroaches you see by day could mean they were likely forced out by overcrowding; a possible sign of severe infestation.
• Allergies/Asthma: The dust created by cast-off cockroach skins, dead bodies and droppings can aggravate allergies, especially in children and sensitive individuals.
• Do-it-yourself ineffectiveness:Cockroaches are better at hiding than you are at finding them, and their eggs are naturally protected from insecticides. Without special equipment, materials and know-how, cockroach control can be a losing battle

Questions & Answers

Do cockroaches cause damage?

No. The presence of cockroaches is not normally associated with damage to buildings.

Are cockroaches hazardous to humans?

Yes. Because of their movements through various habitats, including refuse heaps and sewers, they are capable of transmitting diseases to man, including: salmonella bacteria (food poisoning) and many forms of viruses.

What attracts cockroaches?

Cockroaches are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They will eat anything and are particularly attracted to starchy foods.

When are cockroaches most common?

Cockroaches are active year-round within structures.

When am I most likely to see cockroaches?

Cockroaches are nocturnal and are most active at night. Any sudden light will cause scurry for shelter.

Are cockroaches only found under unclean conditions?

No. They can be found under the cleanest conditions, wherever food and warmth are present. For this reason they are a major problem in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, bakeries, butcher shops, multi-unit residences and homes. Their habitat is around sinks, behind stoves and refrigerators, in drains and cracks.

Do cockroaches die off in cold months?

No. These hardy and very adaptable insects are primarily indoor pests and infestations are not affected by outside temperature.

If I have an infestation of cockroaches, what can be done to eliminate them?

The elimination of cockroaches is a difficult and time consuming project. Iron Fist has several products developed for the control of pests such as the cockroach. Due to the nature of cockroaches, control is a process requiring intensive product knowledge and a professional should be consulted for complete elimination.