A cockroach infestation in your home or business can cause you major disruption. At Huron Pest Control, Inc. we have years of experience helping our customers in Huron County eradicate and prevent cockroaches. Cockroaches multiply very quickly so it is important to call us right away to stop them.

In the Huron, Perth, Lambton Shores area, we most commonly deal with German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches.

German Cockroaches

German cockroaches are small roaches that range in length from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch. They range in colour from tan to brown. Despite having fully developed wings they do not fly. They can fit through a hole as thin as a dime. They are common in houses, apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants as they prefer a moist and warm environment. These pest are scavengers preferring to feed on starches, sweets, grease and meat, but garbage is often a main food source. You may notice an odour in the general area of the infestation as German cockroaches produce secretions with a distinct smell. These secretions can also change the flavour of some foods.

During her 200 hundred day lifespan each female cockroach can produce up to 100,000 offspring each year. These nymphs (babies) will reach maturity in 36 days. Because of the large number of offspring and short time it takes to develop to sexual maturity the population of these roaches will increase very quickly.

German cockroaches will commonly spread diarrhea, food poisoning, dysentery and other forms of gastroenteritis through bacteria, protozoans and viruses that they carry on their bodies and transfer to your dishes and food as the search for a meal. As well, people have experienced allergic responses to the cockroach excrement and cast skins such as rashes, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion and even asthma.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches are larger than the German variety. Dark brown to black in colour, they range from 1-1 ¼ inches in length. Neither the male or female of the species flies, but the mature males have fully developed wings. The females’ wings do not develop resulting in small lobes.

These pests thrive in damp locations such as under debris, rocks, leaves or wood and in sewers, gaining entry to structures through floor drains, along utility pipes, under sliding doors and through small cracks. Usually, they are seen in basements or crawl spaces. They will enter the upper floors of taller structures through garbage chutes. Oriental cockroaches can survive for extended periods of time outdoors in freezing temperatures. Decaying organic matter and starchy food are the preferred diet.

Because Oriental cockroaches feed on decaying organic matter they spread many kinds of bacteria, parasitic worms and pathogens on to foods and surfaces within your structure.

The best way to prevent cockroach infestations is by maintaining a clean and sanitary environment and performing regular inspections. If you want your cockroach problem to be solved quickly and completely, please contact Huron Pest Control, Inc. right away.