Types of Cockroaches in Ontario and what to do about them

Cockroaches are robust insects and can be found in many places across Canada, including Ontario. There are many distinct types of cockroaches in Ontario, and it’s essential to know the one you’re dealing with in your home or office. Understanding the kind of cockroach allows professional exterminators to devise the right plan to rid your space of the bugs.

What Are Cockroaches?

Cockroaches are pesky bugs that live in homes and other buildings. They are dangerous to people as they can spread disease. They are also an allergic trigger and can cause severe reactions, particularly for those with asthma.

They can get inside your space in different ways, including sneaking in through holes or cracks in your foundation or being brought in as eggs that have been hidden in cardboard boxes, groceries, rugs, etc.

There are about 3,500 species of cockroaches around the world. The number of cockroaches in Ontario is a small fraction of that. There are about six different types that residents in Ontario should be aware of.

Types of cockroaches in Ontario

Identifying the type of cockroaches in Ontario is vital to help you know the best way to get rid of them. Here are the main types of cockroaches in Ontario that you’ll find.

German Cockroach

The German cockroach are among the most common types of cockroaches in Ontario. They take up residence in homes, offices, restaurants, etc. You’ll know the German cockroach by its size. They are smaller insects, just 13-16 mm. German roaches are light brown or tan and have two dark lines on their backs, just below their heads. Although the German cockroach has wings, it rarely flies and instead runs very quickly.

German cockroaches seek out meats, starches, sugars and other fatty food sources. However, they can also ingest soap, glue, and toothpaste to survive. They are not picky about where they take shelter when the weather cools. German roaches have been found in homes, hotels, hospitals and restaurants. This type of cockroach is good at hiding, so you may not be aware of its presence for a long time.

American Cockroach

American cockroaches are different in appearance from German cockroaches. They are reddish-brown in colour and much larger. The American cockroach is between 2.5 cm and 5 cm in size and is considered one of the biggest types.  These cockroaches are more likely to use their wings, so you might see them flying around your home.

American cockroaches are more often found outside. However, when it gets colder, they may move inside for warmth. They are usually found in dark, moist spaces and are more common in commercial areas, like restaurants, bakeries, warehouses, shipyards, etc. Yet, they can also gain access to homes through the sewer and plumbing system. They eat a wide variety of items, including beer, hair, dead animals, book bindings, and flakes of dry skin.

Oriental cockroach

These cockroaches are darker in colour and larger than the German roach. They can grow to be between 1.8 cm and 2.5 cm. The Oriental cockroach can appear greasy or slimy looking. While the male roaches have wings, they are unable to fly. Female Oriental cockroaches do not have wings.

Like other roaches, they too prefer dark, moist spaces. You’ll usually find them in sewers or drains. However, they may move indoors over the warmer months because they prefer cooler places. Like the American cockroach, the Oriental roach prefers being outside until it gets too cold.  Oriental cockroaches like to eat decaying plants, starchy foods, and animal matter.

Wood cockroach

A wood cockroach is very similar in appearance to a German roach. They earned their name because they are usually found outdoors in places like rotting logs, dead trees, and firewood piles. They do not survive long indoors and will often die within a few days. So, wood cockroaches do not live in homes or other buildings.

Brown-banded cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach is the smallest type of cockroach in Ontario. It’s only 10-14 mm long and has a light brown band on its wings and front size. Yet, they can be the biggest nuisance as brown-banded cockroaches need less moisture than other types of cockroaches. This means they are more comfortable in heated homes. They can be found hiding in furniture, electronics, pantries and more.

This type of cockroach can survive on different food sources, including sewage, boxes, books, wallpaper and, of course, human food.

Signs of cockroaches in your space

Finding a cockroach in your space can be a disheartening experience. You’ll want to be alert and watch for any signs of cockroaches living in your home or office. These signs include:

• Sighting a live cockroach
• Finding eggs or dead cockroaches
• Cockroach droppings, which look like black pepper or coffee grounds

How to prevent cockroaches

No matter what type of cockroach you encounter, they all can be harmful to humans. Cockroaches in Ontario carry and spread bacteria, which means they could be anywhere in your home or office. But there are some steps you can take to prevent cockroaches from taking up residence in your space, such as:

• Ensure the area where you keep your garbage bins is clean
• Use garbage bins with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills
• Don’t leave dishes in your sink overnight
• Clean up any spills or food droppings immediately
• Repair and seal any openings in your property, including around doors and windows
• Do not leave your doors open unless they have a screen to prevent insects from getting inside
• Keep your food items in tightly-sealed jars or containers
• Store your food items off the ground on shelves or racks
• Eliminate any water or food source for cockroaches, including pet food
• Have plumbing leaks repaired quickly
• If your pipes have a high level of condensation, consider wrapping them, so cockroaches are not attracted to the moisture
• Clean your space regularly and keep it tidy
• Use traps to catch any cockroaches living in your home
• Hire a professional to rid your space of cockroaches

How to get rid of cockroaches

If you’ve been unlucky enough to have these hitchhikers enter your living space, you may want to follow some of these instruction to get rid of cockroaches. And if you feel that the battle is taking longer than you’d like, you can always call a professional for a speedy cockroach extermination.