The German Cockroach has unfortunately become a common pest in Alberta. Due to their quick reproductive cycle and ability to resist pesticides an infestation can become a nightmare pretty fast. This blog will explain what these pests are and whether or not you should contact a pest control provider if you suspect an infestation.
What Is A German Cockroach?
This type of cockroach is the most common of its species worldwide. They exist in a variety of spaces but are most commonly associated with restaurants, food processing facilities, and hotels. Lately, they have become problems in condo buildings becoming an unfortunate nightmare for residents in Alberta.
German cockroaches can breed at a rate of up to six generations per year. The German cockroach can fit through an opening as small as 3/8 inch in width and will feed on almost anything, including soap, glue, and toothpaste.
How To Identify Them
This type of pest is identifiable by its light brown to tan coloring and two dark almost parallel stripes on its back. The Female German Cockroach tends to be darker than their male counterparts. These cockroaches have wings, but rarely fly and prefer to run quite fast on their 6 legs. They have oval-shaped bodies and range from 1/2″ to 5/8″ long.
How Do They Enter?
Although these pests are not native to Canada, travel has made it possible for these critters to become a problem here. They can arrive on clothing, grocery bags, and suitcases, and once they have started reproducing you can be looking at an infestation on your hands that will be very difficult to eliminate without a reputable pest control provider. A reputable pest control provider will be able to assist you with commercial pest control or residential pest control based on your needs.
To understand what qualities a reputable pest control company should have, please check out our blog here.
Signs Of An Infestation
Now that we understand what the German Cockroach is and how you can identify them, how do you know if you might have an infestation on your hands?
These pests prefer to reside in warm and humid places that are close to a food source. Frequently found in kitchen environments and bathrooms, these two places are where an infestation is likely to occur. The main sign of an infestation is small, dark droppings that look like “pepper” left on countertops or inside drawers. They may also leave fecal staining, which will appear as smears or dark spots in the corners of rooms, along door tops, or around small cracks or openings in walls.
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 you will also be able to detect.
When To Seek Professional Pest Control
If you believe you are suffering from a cockroach infestation, Alberta Health recommends hiring a professional pest control company like Assassin Pest Solution. If you rent, know your landlord is legally obliged to keep your home pest-free.
If you’re not sure if you have a cockroach infestation or another pest problem, contact us today and you can confidentially discuss your situation with us. If needed one of our licensed and experienced exterminators will assess the situation and inform you of the findings and pest control solutions.