Cockroaches are undesirable insects that can invade our homes and cause a great deal of inconvenience. Their presence can be both worrying and unhealthy. They carry germs and can contaminate our food. Fortunately, effective extermination measures are available to get rid of these pests. Learn more about these bugs and find out how to get rid of them.

Description of cockroaches

Cockroaches are flattened ovals with a pair of antennae and vestigial wings. They vary in size, but generally measure from a few millimetres to several centimetres in length.

These pests are a nuisance in many environments, particularly in urban areas. They can reproduce rapidly and proliferate in places where they find adequate food, water and shelter. Nocturnal, they hide during the day and come out at night to feed.

These insects will consume a variety of organic materials, including food scraps and waste. They can carry germs and bacteria, making them a potential problem for hygiene and public health. There are different species of cockroaches around the world, the most common being the German cockroach, the Oriental cockroach and the American cockroach.

How can you recognize a cockroach infestation in your home?

The presence of living or dead cockroaches

Generally speaking, the sight of a cockroach in your kitchen, behind a piece of furniture or in the cupboard is a sign of an infestation already present. In fact, it is rare to find a single one of these insects in a house. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly infest a property. If you find them during the day, it’s a sign of a major invasion, as these insects are mainly active at night.

The presence of egg sacs and cocoons

Cockroaches lay pouches called oothecae, which contain countless eggs. The presence of these pockets and the remains of cocoons indicate an invasion. As they develop, these insects abandon the old membranes and pockets near their nests.

Traces of excrement

Excrement is an obvious visible sign of the presence of cockroaches. Size varies according to species. The droppings of German cockroaches resemble peppercorns, while those of large Canadian cockroaches are similar in appearance to those of mice, but smaller. American cockroach droppings are blunt and ridged.

Where do cockroaches hide?

There are several places where cockroaches are likely to hide:

• The kitchen: these insects are attracted by food scraps and will easily find refuge in your kitchen. They can hide behind appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and dishwashers, or in cupboards and drawers;
• The bathroom: cockroaches also seek out sources of water. They can hide in sinks, drains, tile cracks, bathroom cabinets and even behind toilets;
• Floors and skirting boards: they sneak under floors and hide in the spaces between skirting boards and walls. They can also find refuge in cracks in the floor or under carpets;
• Attic and cellar: if you have an attic or cellar, be sure to check these areas. Cockroaches can hide in storage boxes, old furniture, air ducts and dark, low-traffic areas.

What are the risks of infestation?

The presence of large numbers of cockroaches in your home can damage both your property and your health. Here are the main risks associated with an infestation of these insects:

• Diseases caused by bacteria and parasites carried by these pests, which contaminate the food they touch;
• Allergies and respiratory problems caused by excrement and secretions;
• Material damage due to the fact that these insects gnaw on various materials such as cardboard, fabric or plastic;
• Contamination of foodstuffs, which become inedible after the insects have passed through.

How to get rid of a cockroach infestation?

If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of a cockroach infestation in your home, there are several steps you can take.

– Identifying the infestation zone

First, you need to determine the severity of the infestation by identifying the areas where cockroaches are hiding. Locate potential nesting sites and travel routes. This will help you develop an effective control strategy.

– Input channel sealing

Once you’ve found all possible insect entrances, seal all cracks, openings and potential access routes. This will prevent other cockroaches and other pests from entering the house once the infestation has been cleared.

– Deep cleaning

Give your home a thorough cleaning, targeting areas where cockroaches hide. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris, eggs and cocoons. Clean surfaces with appropriate cleaning products to remove traces of odors and pheromones.

– Use of traps and baits

Place cockroach traps along travel routes and near areas of infestation. Traps can be sticky, with bait or chemicals specifically for cockroaches. They capture insects and reduce their population.

– The insecticide solution

Insecticides can be considered in cases of severe infestation, but are not recommended for health reasons. In any case, choose products adapted to the infestation and follow label instructions carefully. Insecticides can be in spray, powder or gel form. Apply them to infested areas and suspected cockroach hiding places, taking the necessary safety precautions.

In the end, call in a professional exterminator

It’s not easy to get rid of a cockroach infestation in the home. Lack of experience and materials will make it very difficult to eradicate all insects. That’s why it’s advisable to call on the services of pest control professionals.

At Brisebois Extermination, our experts have the know-how to deal with all types of pests that may invade your home. We have highly effective equipment and products and guarantee eradication as quickly as possible at the best rates.