Cockroaches are present in Canada, despite the country’s colder climate. While globally prevalent, only a small fraction of the over 4,500 species worldwide are considered pests that commonly invade human structures. These resilient insects often seek warmth indoors, particularly during colder weather, as many originated from tropical regions.
Presence and Common Species in Canada
Several cockroach species are commonly encountered across Canada, with the German cockroach being the most widespread and significant pest. German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) are light brown to tan, measuring about 13 to 16 mm as adults, and are identifiable by two dark longitudinal stripes on the shield behind their head. Although they possess wings, they primarily glide short distances rather than sustained flight.
The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) is another common species, growing larger at approximately 28 to 50 mm long, with a reddish-brown color and a yellowish band behind its head. Males of this species have wings that extend slightly beyond their abdomen, while females’ wings are about the same length as their body.
Oriental cockroaches (Blatta orientalis) are also found, characterized by their dark brown to shiny black color, reaching 25 to 32 mm in length. Males have wings covering about 75% of their abdomen, while females have shorter, non-functional wing pads, and neither can fly.
Additionally, brown-banded cockroaches (Supella longipalpa), which are smaller at 10 to 14.5 mm with light brown bands, and various wood cockroaches are present across Canada.
Where Cockroaches Are Found
Cockroaches thrive in environments providing food, moisture, and warmth. In Canada, they are frequently found in urban settings, including residential buildings, commercial spaces, and sometimes outdoors during warmer periods. Indoors, common habitats include kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and areas with plumbing, due to the presence of water and humidity.
They are nocturnal, hiding during the day in cracks and crevices, behind appliances, and within walls, emerging at night to scavenge.
Cockroaches can enter structures through small cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows, some species squeezing through openings as tiny as 1/16th of an inch. They can also hitchhike indoors on items like cardboard boxes, grocery bags, secondhand furniture, luggage, or through plumbing systems connecting different units in multi-dwelling buildings.
Managing Cockroach Encounters
Effective management involves preventative measures and targeted actions. Maintaining cleanliness includes regularly cleaning and vacuuming to remove food debris, promptly wiping up spills, and storing food in tightly sealed containers. Dirty dishes should not be left out overnight, and trash should be disposed of daily in sealed bins.
Reducing moisture by fixing leaky faucets, pipes, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements makes environments less appealing. Sealing entry points involves caulking cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and around pipes, and installing fine mesh screens over vents and drains.
If cockroaches are sighted, early identification and monitoring are beneficial. Glue traps can help confirm their presence and identify active areas.
For established infestations, professional pest control is often recommended, as cockroaches are challenging to eradicate with home remedies alone. Professionals can conduct thorough inspections, apply targeted treatments like gel baits, and offer integrated pest management strategies.