Cockroaches
Cockroaches are a common pest found in many parts of the world, including Edmonton, Alberta. There are several species of cockroaches that can be found in homes, including the German cockroach, the American cockroach, and the Oriental cockroach.
German cockroaches
American cockroach
The German cockroach is a small, oval-shaped cockroach that is a common pest found in homes, apartment buildings, and other structures. They are one of the most prevalent species of cockroach found in the world, including in Edmonton, Alberta.
They are small, about 13-16mm long, and are light brown in color with two dark stripes behind the head. They are typically found in kitchens and bathrooms where they have easy access to food and water. German cockroaches can reproduce quickly and can be difficult to control once established, as the females can produce up to four egg capsules in their lifetime, with each capsule containing up to 48 eggs.
German cockroaches are known to be carriers of diseases such as salmonella, E. coli, and other food poisoning organisms and also can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. They are also known to emit unpleasant odors which can make your home smell unappealing.
To control a German cockroach infestation, it's important to find and eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter. Keeping the kitchen and bathroom clean, regular vacuuming and sealing cracks and crevices where the roaches can hide is essential. Using pesticides can be an effective method, but it's important to consult professional exterminator to identify the best treatment method that's suitable for the infestation level.
The American cockroach, also known as the Palmetto bug or water bug, is one of the largest species of cockroach found in the world, including in Edmonton, Alberta. It is typically reddish-brown in color and can grow up to 1.5 inches (40mm) long.
American cockroaches are known to live in a variety of environments such as in basements, sewers, crawl spaces, and other damp, dark areas. They are also known to enter homes through cracks, gaps, or drains and can survive in the dry conditions of a house. They are most active at night and feed on a wide variety of organic materials. They are known to carry disease-causing organisms such as Salmonella, E.coli and other pathogenic bacteria and also have the potential to cause allergies and asthma symptoms
To control an American cockroach infestation, it's important to locate and eliminate the sources of food, water, and shelter. Keeping the house clean, storing food in sealed containers, and eliminating moisture sources such as leaks or standing water is essential. Regularly inspecting for cracks, gaps or holes on the exterior of the building is also a good practice to prevent roaches from entering. Using pesticides can be an effective method, but it's important to consult professional exterminator to identify the best treatment method that's suitable for the infestation level.
It's important to note that American cockroach are less common in Edmonton than other cockroach species and therefore infestation by this species is not as common, but it's still a good practice to take preventive measures.
Oriental cockroach
The Oriental cockroach, also known as the "waterbug" or "black beetle," is a species of cockroach found in many parts of the world, including Edmonton, Alberta. They are larger than the German cockroach, about 25-30mm long, and are dark brown or black in color.
Oriental cockroaches are often found in damp, dark areas such as basements, sewers, crawl spaces, and other areas of a home or building that are prone to high humidity. They are also known to enter homes through cracks or drains, and can survive in both indoor and outdoor environments. They are particularly attracted to warm, damp areas, and are known to feed on a variety of organic materials, including food scraps and garbage.
Like other cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches can be carriers of diseases such as Salmonella, E. coli and other food poisoning organisms, and also can cause allergies and asthma symptoms. They are also known to emit unpleasant odors which can make your home smell unappealing.
To control an Oriental cockroach infestation, it's important to eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter. This can include keeping the house clean, storing food in sealed containers, and eliminating moisture sources such as leaks or standing water. Seal entry points with caulk, screens or door sweeps, also regular inspection and cleaning in damp areas of the home, such as the basement or crawl spaces, is important to remove potential hiding places for the roaches. Using pesticides can be an effective method, but it's important to consult professional exterminator to identify the best treatment method that's suitable for the infestation level.