Cockroaches in Ontario. Cockroaches are a problem almost anywhere you go. Cockroaches are hardy insects that can survive just about anywhere. Identifying different types of cockroaches is essential so you know what you are dealing with if you have an infestation. As a resident of Ontario, if you suspect you have a roach infestation, identifying the type of roach that is in your home will assist you when calling a professional cockroach exterminator Toronto to quickly solve the problem.
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Cockroach Species
There are currently 3,500 known species of roaches throughout the world. Of those 3,500 different species, 10 different species can be found throughout Canada. Wood roaches account for 3 to 4 of those 10 species and are often found in the outdoor debris, such as leaves, outside of areas such as western Quebec and Ontario.
There are 3 different types of roach species that commonly invade homes and businesses throughout Ontario. Those roach species include the American cockroach, German cockroach, and Oriental cockroach. Each of the three common species has a distinct appearance, making them easy to identify.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach prefers warmer climates and nesting outdoors. However, they have been known to invade homes with nearly unmatched ferocity. Part of what makes the American cockroach so unnerving is their size. They are considered a rather large species of roach ranging in size from 1.1 inches to 2 inches in length.
The American cockroach can also fly. As if seeing one crawl around isn’t bad enough, seeing them fly around might sound like something straight out of a horror film. This roach species is reddish brown in colour. Their size combined with the colouring of their bodies makes them easy to spot. They will typically invade dark, moist places, such as bathrooms, under kitchen sinks, and basements.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach loves to take up residence in homes, apartments, and restaurants. In homes, these cockroaches are often found in the dishwasher. They are a small roach, ranging between ½ to ⅝ of an inch. Although German cockroaches have wings, they do not prefer to fly. Instead, they run, and they do so very quickly. They are one of the fastest roach species there is.
The German cockroach appears tan or light brown. They also feature one to two black horizontal stripes located directly behind their head. One female German cockroach can produce up to 100,000 offspring a year, so it is best to tackle this infestation, and quickly.
Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach, like the American cockroach, is larger in size. They are capable of reaching up to 1-inch in length. They are easy to spot because they are a dark brownish black colour and have a greasy sheen to their bodies. These cockroaches prefer cool, moist places and prefer the outdoors. Because they like it cool, they often take up residence in homes and businesses during the summer months. It is their way of escaping the brutal summer heat. Male Oriental roaches are smaller than the females. Males also have wings, but they cannot fly. The females have no wings, which means they also cannot fly.
Brown Banded Cockroach
The Brown-banded cockroach is also known asSupella Longipalpa. This Cockroach can be found anywhere in Canada including Ontario. They are one of the smallest but most invasive cockroaches in Canada. The adult brown-banded cockroach may reach up to 14.5 mm in length. They receive their names from the light brown to tan transverse bands that are normally present on their wings.
How did they invade my house?
These particular species of cockroaches need a warm temperature to survive. Due to this, they will enter your house looking for shelter. However, the most common way these insects get into your house is when infested products, grocery items, infested furniture, and electronics are brought into the house. If your kitchen or living area has perfect access to food, these invasive roaches will take up residence.
The brown-banded cockroach will feed on almost anything from pantry goods, trash, nylon stockings, wallpaper, and drapes. Brown-banded infestation can pose some health risks. In Canada, they have been known to carry bacteria and protozoa that are known to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Roaches living indoors have been known to trigger asthma and allergies. These species of roaches will also transfer disease organisms that are known to cause food poisoning and dysentery by contaminating cooking utensils, food, and kitchen surfaces.
Australian Cockroach
They are also known as Periplaneta australasiae and can be found all over Canada. They have a reddish-brown to dark brown colour with yellow markings on the top of their heads and the front edge of each wing. These cockroaches are slightly smaller than the American cockroaches. Their wings are about one¼ and 1 ½ inch long. They are commonly known as shad cockroaches. Their wings extend over their abdomen.
How did Australian Cockroaches invade my home?
Homeowners have the potential of getting these cockroaches wherever there is warmth, moisture, and food. Heated buildings that have plenty of humidity also attract them, and this mostly happens during the cold season. Australian cockroaches will get into your home through open windows and small crack holes.
Australian cockroaches will contaminate starchy pantry goods and feed on garden and house plants. These roaches are a source of allergens and have a high breeding rate. To know if you have an infestation, you only need to notice the adult, nymph or egg cases. If you spot any of these signs contact your local exterminator and have your home inspected for Australian cockroaches.
Prevention Tips
Cockroaches just like any other pests are easier to prevent than getting rid of. Preventing roaches from attacking and infesting your home will almost always come down to proper sanitation. Your clean home and business can become infested if small sanitation steps are ignored. When it comes to cockroach control, sanitation means much more than simply sweeping your floor or washing your dishes.
Eliminate food sources
Cockroaches are amazing scavengers. In the urban environments of Canada, cockroaches will rely heavily on the food that is left behind by humans. Just like us their diet mainly consists of protein, sugar, and carbohydrates. The best possible way to prevent roaches is by removing any potential food sources that are lying around your home or business.
Cleaning the house
Just like any other pest, a clean house will reduce the chances of an invasion. Ensuring that your work surfaces are clear of food and debris as well as clearing waste and spillage will help prevent cockroaches. Cockroaches are more active during at night, removing pet drink and litter will go a long way to preventing an infestation. Removing clutter from your home also reduces places where cockroaches can hide. This will help make your home or business less appealing for cockroaches to take up residence.
Apart from taking the necessary cockroach preventive methods, the best way to get rid of cockroaches is by contacting a professional pest control service. They will be able to inspect, offer expert advice, service and solutions. If you have suspect you have a roach infestation on your hands, make sure you contact a professional exterminator immediately. It does not take long for a roach infestation to get out of hand. Call us at 647-496-2211 and we will solve your cockroach problem quickly. We deal with all types of cockroach problems in residential and commercial properties, check out our online pest control store we offer a variety of pest control products.
Article Updated: November 1st, 2018
