
Insect Control: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches
- Baiting is the safest and most effective method of controlling a cockroach infestation. However, to effectively control cockroach infestations, several baits must be set out and placed correctly
- Baits should be placed in harbourage and foraging sites or close to other points of entry
- Though store-bought and or home remedies can be useful for short-term use, the most effective way to consistently rid your home of a cockroach infestation is to hire a trained pest control professional
How to Identify a Cockroach Infestation
- Adults can be a little more than 50 mm long.
- Adult American cockroaches are red-brown or mahogany in colour. The area behind their heads is outlined with a yellow band
- Both male and female American cockroaches can fly. Their wings develop when they reach adulthood
- When they move inside, American cockroaches prefer living in moist, humid environments. They can also survive in dry areas with enough food and water sources
- American cockroaches often leave their droppings in the dark areas where they hide. You might find these droppings in your basement, your pantry or behind appliances
- American cockroach droppings have ridges on the sides and they are blunt on the ends
How to Prevent a Cockroach Infestation
- Remove all food and unnecessary water sources
- Seal all cracks and crevices where they may enter
- Vacuum and remove shelter areas such as cardboard and paper
Possible Health Concerns
- Cockroaches can contaminate food and spread disease by walking over, and excreting on, food or food prep locations after having travelled through garbage
- People with asthma may have a reaction to their droppings
About Cockroaches
- Female American cockroaches make a protective case for their eggs. These cases are capsule-shaped. After creating a capsule, the roach deposits it in a warm, humid area
- If there is plenty of food, American cockroaches can develop from egg to adult in as little as 5½ months
- Outdoors, American cockroaches eat leaves, tiny wood particles, fungi and algae
- Cockroaches have been an insect pest for about four million years. There are more than 3,500 species around the world