{"id":2378,"date":"2024-02-06T10:25:15","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T15:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/avalancheextermination.ca\/?p=2378"},"modified":"2024-02-06T10:54:35","modified_gmt":"2024-02-06T15:54:35","slug":"cockroach-infestation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/avalancheextermination.ca\/en\/blog\/cockroach-infestation\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do in case of a cockroach infestation."},"content":{"rendered":"

An infestation of cockroaches<\/strong> can quickly get out of control and cause health problems. These small harmful insects<\/strong>, of the order or suborder Blattodea or Blattaria, got their English name from the Spanish name cucaracha<\/em><\/strong> in the early 1600s. They are known for their ability to infiltrate homes and reproduce extremely fast.<\/p>\n

Learn how to recognize the cockroach<\/strong> in order to act quickly should you notice any sign of their presence<\/strong>. If in doubt, don\u2019t hesitate to contact an experienced exterminator<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What do the cockroaches in Qu\u00e9bec look like?<\/h2>\n

There are thousands of species of cockroaches<\/strong> worldwide, but only about a dozen are found in this province. One of the most frequently found species of cockroaches in Qu\u00e9bec<\/strong> is the German cockroach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The adult cockroach measures between less than 1\/2″ to 2″ long, depending on the species. However, the German cockroach measures 1\/2″ to 5\/8″ long. It has an oval-shaped body and long antennae (or feelers). Its colour varies from light brown to dark brown or almost black.<\/p>\n

Even though it has wings, the cockroach can\u2019t fly<\/strong>. It is no less quick and agile. It has no trouble sneaking into tiny cracks!<\/p>\n

Insects that look like the German cockroach<\/h3>\n

The German cockroach can sometimes be confused with other species of cockroach, like the larger American cockroach<\/strong>, but also with other insects. So it\u2019s important to correctly identify the problematic insect in order to apply the appropriate measures.<\/p>\n

For example, some species of beetles and bugs can resemble cockroaches.<\/p>\n

To distinguish between a cockroach and other insects, take note of its size, its colour and its antennae (feelers).<\/p>\n

Photos of cockroaches<\/h3>\n

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How do cockroaches come into our homes?<\/h2>\n

Cockroaches often infiltrate buildings by unexpected means.<\/p>\n

Cracks in walls<\/strong> as well as narrow gaps<\/strong> in the frames of windows and doors are frequent access points.<\/p>\n

However, cockroaches often hide in bags<\/strong>, boxes<\/strong>, clothing<\/strong>, or furniture<\/strong>. They can thus be accidentally brought into a house after a move<\/strong>, by bringing in an item bought second-hand, or simply by a guest.<\/p>\n

Once inside a building, cockroaches reproduce fast and become hard to eradicate without professional help.<\/p>\n

What attracts cockroaches inside a house or apartment?<\/h3>\n

Cockroaches choose locations that offer them food, water, and shelter. They prefer warm, damp and dark places like those found in kitchens, bathrooms and basements.<\/p>\n

Contrary to popular belief, a cockroach infestation is not always a sign of poor hygiene<\/strong>. However, the presence of food such as crumbs or unwrapped foods that are left on counters, floors or pantries do increase the risk of infestation.<\/p>\n

Are cockroaches dangerous?<\/h2>\n

Although they technically don\u2019t cause actual damage to property, German cockroaches<\/a> can represent a potential health risk<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

They are carriers of bacteria that can cause infections. They can also be a source of food poisoning<\/strong>. As they travel, they deposit their excrement over various surfaces used for food preparation (as in kitchens). The food then becomes contaminated.<\/p>\n

Some people can also experience asthma attacks<\/strong> in the presence of cockroaches.<\/p>\n

How to avoid being infested by cockroaches<\/h2>\n

Cockroaches are gregarious insects<\/strong> that reproduce very fast. A single female cockroach can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs in a single year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Here are a few tips<\/a> to help reduce your risk of having cockroaches invade your home:<\/p>\n