Cockroach Pest Control
The most common cockroach found in Alberta is the German cockroach. Cockroaches in Alberta are not only a nuisance, but also a significant health risk. These pests spread a wide range of diseases, including salmonella and polio. Unfortunately, they can be surprisingly difficult to detect and even more difficult to get out of your home.
How Do Cockroaches Enter the Home?
Cockroaches can travel via a wide variety of objects, including briefcases, grocery bags, furniture, mattresses and suitcases. They may come from hotels, loved ones’ homes, or even retail outlets. Often, people unknowingly bring roach eggs into their homes, making the source of the infestation that much more difficult to track.
What Problems Can Cockroaches Cause?
Cockroaches are notorious for spreading disease and causing allergic reactions. They contaminate food and water by defecating in it. They can also cause significant damage to drapes, wallpaper, and books.
How Do You Know If You Have Cockroaches?
The most obvious way to detect this nuisance is to see them, but signs may exist long before you lay eyes on one. Look for feces, which may resemble black pepper. You may also spot egg casings, which have a brownish color and an elongated shape. Large populations of cockroaches give off a musky smell, which most people find incredibly putrid.
How Common Are Cockroaches in Alberta?
Cockroaches are not native to Canada, but they have unfortunately made their way into Alberta and other provinces. Cockroaches in Alberta are frequently found in homes during the winter months when they seek shelter in humid household environments.
Getting Rid of Cockroaches
Do-it-yourself pest control is not advised to eliminate these pests, which are notoriously resistant to DIY tactics. Instead, it is best to rely on the advanced tools and techniques of a pest control company, which can help you get rid of them for good.
The specific treatment method used to rid your home of the insect depends on the extent of the infestation. Several different treatments may be needed to get rid of cockroaches for good.
- Begin by examining key areas with a flashlight.
- Find out how many are entering your homes and then caulking gaps accordingly.
- Make it more difficult for them to find food and water.
- Use sticky traps to make it harder for them to hide.
- Try desiccants such as diatomaceous earth or boric acid.
- Apply liquid or aerosol insecticidal sprays such as permethrin and pyrethrin.
When to Hire a Professional
If you are suffering a cockroach infestation, My Health Alberta recommends hiring a professional extermination service such as Assassin Pest Solution. If you rent, know your landlord is legally obliged to keep your home pest-free. Call Health Link at 811 to register a complaint if your landlord fails to fix the problem.
Sources: My Health Alberta
