Cockroaches are an unfortunate reality for many homeowners and business owners. But with an understanding of how to get rid of cockroaches and the right help at your side, your cockroach problem can be a thing of the past.
We deal with cockroaches all the time, and as pest control experts, we’ve compiled a handy list of tips and tricks for how to get rid of cockroaches, including killing cockroach eggs and setting cockroach traps. We’ll also share important information for identifying cockroaches and where you might find them.
IDENTIFYING THE COCKROACH SPECIES
Most people are surprised to learn there are more than 4,000 cockroach species in the world, although you tend to only find a handful in North America.
Here are a few of the common cockroach species found in North America and how to identify them:
German cockroaches: These roaches are light brown or tan with two dark stripes on their back. They have six legs, antennae, and prefer warm, humid places.
Brown-banded cockroaches: This is one of the smaller species of cockroaches and they have light brown or tan wings.
Oriental cockroaches: These cockroaches are quite large, and have a brown or black glossy body. They’re often found in damp places and can be seen emerging from drains.
If you’d like to learn more about cockroaches in North America, have a look at this blog post where we discuss them in greater detail.
SINGS OF AN INFESTATION
If you spot one, or many, cockroaches in your home, you’ll know right away you have a problem. But even if you don’t spot actual cockroaches, you might see signs they’ve been around.
These are some of the things you should be on the lookout for:
- Cockroach droppings
- Distinctive odour
- Smear marks
- Shed skin
- Cockroach eggs
- Cockroach body parts
COCKROACH PREVENTION
Preventing cockroaches from starting an infestation and causing damage in the first place is ideal.
To do this, start by cutting off any access to food and water for cockroaches. Food must be stored in sealed containers or bags, and liquids should never be left standing as they’re a big draw for cockroaches.
In addition to being attracted to beverages, cockroaches like other wet places like drains and pipes. Ensure all sweating pipes and leaky plumbing is dealt with immediately, as these are often places cockroaches will gather.
The kitchen is another common gathering ground for cockroaches, which means it’s imperative to keep it clean at all times. Not only do food and drinks need to be properly sealed, but make sure your trash, recycling, and composting containers are also secure so they don’t provide a food source for cockroaches.
Regularly disinfecting surfaces in your home like the kitchen and bathroom counters is another way to keep them out, as they tend to be attracted to the dirt and grime that can be found there.
Unfortunately, sometimes even if you’ve done everything right, you may end up with a cockroach problem, or maybe you’re moving into a home or building with an existing cockroach problem. But we’ve got some important advice for dealing with this problem to help you out.
DIY COCKROACH REMOVAL
In some cases, DIY cockroach control methods can be effective, particularly if the infestation hasn’t gotten completely out of control yet. This is done by placing poison and cockroach traps near where you’ve spotted the infestation. However, this often involves the use of poison, so extra caution needs to be used to this poison doesn’t cross-contaminate food, surfaces, and other areas of your home.
Boric acid is something many homeowners use for DIY cockroach control. It acts as a poison that cockroaches carry back to their nest and feed their nymphs. This way, you can get rid of them effectively because this kills even the cockroach eggs and larvae.
PROFESSIONAL COCKROACH REMOVAL
Cockroaches are notoriously difficult to eradicate, especially without professional help. Ultimately, the cost of repeated DIY pest control will add up to more than the investment in guaranteed pest control that actually eradicates the cockroach problem in your home.
Experts typically utilize a few different methods to get rid of cockroaches. One method is placing a gel bait near the source of the infestation. In other cases, a chemical formula spray is used and applied to places the cockroaches have been. Finally, experts may also use boric acid which is mixed with food that cockroaches eat.
At Brilliex Pest Control, we try to avoid the use of insecticides by implementing alternative, less toxic methods to control cockroaches whenever possible. For mild cockroach infestations, we may start by suggesting getting rid of food sources, keeping areas clean, and dusting and baiting certain areas. In case of extreme cockroach infestation, our Toronto cockroach exterminators will treat the area with safe insecticides to eradicate the pests and we guarantee the work for 90 days.
Either way, once the infestation is dealt with, we will work with you to keep your home or business pest free.
CONTACT BRILLIEX PEST CONTROL
If you’re dealing with a cockroach problem, don’t wait to get rid of these pests! Our team of professional cockroach exterminators are ready and waiting to serve you at your home or business in Toronto & GTA.
We’re licensed by the Ministry Of Environment (MOE) and our technicians are trained to deal with any cockroach removal jobs they face. Call us for an assessment of your property and we’ll search for any problem areas and signs of cockroaches. We’re always happy to share more of our knowledge with our clients for managing cockroaches on their own if this is an option. We’re committed to thoroughly explaining your options as far as cockroach control and management so you get the right solution for your needs. Call us for a professional consultation and deal with your cockroach problem today!
To learn more, contact Brilliex Pest at 647-776-7739 or Toll-Free 1-866-650-1811 or Contact Brilliex Pest for a Free Estimate