Cockroaches

Boot out unwanted pests from your home.

There are various steps you can take to prevent cockroaches from entering your home or facility.

What type of cockroaches are in Ontario?

German cockroach

The German cockroach, a small species of cockroach, measuring about 1.5 cm long is most commonly found in North America. It can be tan, brown or almost black, and has two dark parallel streaks running from the head to the base of the wings.

The German cockroach is associated with restaurant infestations. They are most active at night, when the lights are off, but this cockroach can be seen during the day if there is a large population.

German cockroaches deposit bacteria when they crawl over food or food contact surfaces. Cockroaches can be brought into your home or food premises in the form of egg cases that have been laid in beer or soft drink cases, used appliances and furniture.

Wood cockroach

The Wood cockroach is also known as a wood roach and is similar in appearance to its German cousin.

The wood cockroach lives exclusively outdoors in rotted logs, tree stumps, under dead trees, and firewood; when indoors, they die within a few days of being inside due to insufficient moisture. These cockroaches are only an annoyance once inside; they do not reproduce or make their home indoors nor do they cause harm to the building structure, belongings, or occupants.

What steps can I take to prevent cockroaches?

How do I know if I have an infestation?

What should I do if I see evidence of cockroaches?

If you are a tenant:

Report the problem to your landlord as soon as it is discovered so that they can bring in a licensed pest control company to address the issue. Ensure contaminated food is discarded and contaminated surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.

If you are a landlord, home or building owner:

Contact a licensed pest control company. Ensure contaminated food is discarded and contaminated surfaces are cleaned and disinfected.

Remember that an effective pest control program is essential to any food safety program.

For more information:

If you would like to speak to a public health inspector about a possible cockroach infestation, you can submit your question or complaint electronically or call the Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).


This item was last modified on September 21, 2017