Cockroaches
Boot out unwanted pests from your home.
There are various steps you can take to prevent cockroaches from entering your home or facility.
What type of cockroaches are in Ontario?
German cockroach
The German cockroach, a small species of cockroach, measuring about 1.5 cm long is most commonly found in North America. It can be tan, brown or almost black, and has two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings.
The German cockroach is associated with restaurant infestations. They are most active at night, when the lights are off, but this cockroach can be seen during the day if there is a large population.
German cockroaches deposit bacteria when they crawl over food or food contact surfaces. Cockroaches can be brought into your home or food premises in the form of egg cases that have been laid in beer or soft drink cases, used appliances and furniture.
Wood cockroach
The Wood cockroach is also known as a wood roach and is similar in appearance to its German cousin.
The wood cockroach lives exclusively outdoors in rotted logs, tree stumps, under dead trees, and firewood; when indoors, they die within a few days of being inside due to insufficient moisture. These cockroaches are only an annoyance once inside; they do not reproduce or make their home indoors nor do they cause harm to the building structure, belongings, or occupants.
What steps can I take to prevent cockroaches?
- Keep outside garbage areas clean.
- Store garbage in spill proof containers with tight fitting lids.
- Block, seal or caulk cracks and crevices around foundations and access points to wall cavities.
- Keep doors closed unless screened and ensure all entrances have weather stripping to prevent access.
- Take time to check deliveries for signs of infestation; if any signs are observed do not accept the shipment.
- Store food in tightly sealed plastic or glass containers.
- Store all food 15 cm off the floor on shelves or racks for easy cleaning.
- Remove any and all food and water sources.
- Repair water leaks and clean spills immediately.
- Wrap or insulate pipes that have excessive amounts of condensation.
- Fill floor drains and condensation line traps with water to prevent migration of cockroaches from sewers.
- Keep your facility or home clean.
How do I know if I have an infestation?
- Sightings – egg cases, carcasses, live cockroaches
- Droppings – look like coffee grounds or black pepper
What should I do if I see evidence of cockroaches?
If you are a tenant:
Report the problem to your landlord as soon as it is discovered so that they can bring in a licensed pest control company to address the issue. Ensure contaminated food is discarded and contaminated surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
If you are a landlord, home or building owner:
Contact a licensed pest control company. Ensure contaminated food is discarded and contaminated surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.
Remember that an effective pest control program is essential to any food safety program.
If you would like more information, would like to speak to a public health inspector, or make a complaint, you can submit your question or complaint electronically or contact us directly.
This item was last modified on October 8, 2024