German Cockroaches are creating havoc around the Ontario region as the spring season begins to unfold, including in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, and Mississauga. Adults are easily recognized by their light brown or tan colouration with two black horizontal stripes located right behind the head, and growing to a length of 13-16 mm. The young are darker, almost black in colour, also with black stripes behind the head. German Cockroaches do have wings, however they rarely fly, as they prefer to run around.
German cockroaches are most commonly found indoors typically in the warmer and more humid areas of a structure. In the average home, these insects will usually be found in the kitchen or bathroom. These insects make their way into a home usually by being brought into the home from moving boxes, cardboard containers, and used appliances. In apartment buildings, these insects can move between units quite easily by using shared plumbing and pipes as their line of transportation.
German cockroaches are scavengers, capable of feeding on most any food source available. They are known for their ability to scavenge even the smallest amounts of food by feeding on food crumbs, dirty dishes, and any food left in the kitchen sink. Signs that signal an infestation included droppings (“pepper-like”) material found on countertops or in drawers or fecal staining in the corners of rooms or around small cracks.
Although the best solution for German cockroach control and extermination is by contacting your local pest control agent, however there are some steps homeowners can take in trying to control the situation.
- Remove indoor trash or keep them emptied
- Make sure food is not left in sink strainers
- Keep dishes clean, no residue of food remaining
- All kitchen appliances (microwaves, toasters, ovens, refrigerators and stoves) should be maintained in a clean condition so that it is food free and grease free
- All pet food needs to be picked up
- No food left out
- Sweeping or vacuuming of any food particles or crumbs
German cockroaches are known to reproduce rather quickly during the spring season so please do your part and contact us for your pest removal solution. We serve Hamilton, Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and surrounding areas.
