Structures in Toronto offer shelter to humans and pests all year round. As the city embraces the last season of the year, humans rush to their cozy spaces to protect themselves from the chill. So does another shelter-seeker – cockroach.
While the city is welcoming toward humans, it looks for preventive measures to keep pests away. They enter your homes, dirty them and bring health issues that can affect your family. Removing an entire colony of cockroaches might not be possible, but preventative measures can help control the infestation. However, one must understand the circumstances and the proper steps to deal with cockroaches effectively.
This blog post lists some preventive measures and DIY techniques that could be helpful.
Why Cockroaches Move Indoors During Winter
Unlike most pests, cockroaches are survivors in hot temperatures. They are most attracted to moist, low-lit spaces and are often spotted at night. This is why they rush indoors during winter to find a warm home. With tall buildings in every nook and corner of Toronto, they have ample locations to hide and find food.
However, the most common indoor species in Toronto is the German Cockroach. These small, light-brown cockroaches are known for their ability to reproduce quickly and adapt to different environments. People often find them in moist, hidden areas like basements, bathrooms and kitchens. They bring bacteria indoors and can pose several health issues, including severe allergic reactions or asthma.
Signs of a Cockroach Infestation
Homes or workspaces that house cockroaches will have any or all of the following signs. You must carefully notice to find out if cockroaches have entered your space.
1. Droppings
Cockroach droppings look like small black specks or coffee grounds. You will likely see them in cabinets, along baseboards, or near food storage areas.
2. Egg Casings
Female cockroaches lay egg casings called oothecae that can house many eggs. You must be sure of an infestation if you find these small, brownish capsules.
3. Unpleasant Odor
You may sometimes smell a musty odour caused by cockroach pheromones. This highly indicates a large infestation and is often noticeable in compact spaces.
4. Shed Skins
Cockroaches moult when they grow. They are often found in areas similar to droppings and egg casings.
If any of these signs persist, immediate action must be taken. Cockroaches multiply quickly. Even if they start with a handful, they can build a colony in a few days, causing matters beyond your control.
Preventing Cockroach Infestations in the Winter
Taking the necessary precautions is essential to address cockroach infestation. Check these effective measures to drive cockroaches out of your home or workspace:
1. Seal Entry Points
Cockroaches can enter your homes through tiny cracks in doors, windows, or leaking pipes. Check all such areas for leaks or cracks and use caulk to fix them.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
Do not leave food items in the open. Keep them sealed in airtight storage boxes, and keep your kitchen clean. Cockroaches are drawn to leftovers, so ensure you do all the dishes before bed.
3. Reduce Clutter
Cockroaches take shelter in cluttered areas, so remove piles of paper, stacks of cardboard boxes, etc., that make dark corners that you are unlikely to clean often. Declutter and vacuum these areas regularly, especially the basement or storage room.
4. Monitor Moisture
As mentioned above, cockroaches love moist places. Ensure all your fixtures are in proper condition and repair any leaks before you find cockroaches lurking in such places.
5. Use Sticky Traps
You’ll often find some pest control traps in the market. They help you keep an eye on their activity. Get a good quality sticky trap and place them where you have seen cockroaches.
DIY Solutions for Cockroach Control
Several cockroach control products are available over the counter but must be used safely and properly. Some popular DIY solutions include:
1. Boric Acid
Boric acid is commonly used to control cockroach infestations. Take a small amount and sprinkle around areas where you’ve spotted them. Cockroaches walking over the area carry the powdery substance back to their nests, killing the entire colony. Ensure to use boric acid in minimal amounts and store it in places children or pets cannot reach.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
This fine powder from fossilized algae is a nontoxic choice for dehydrating cockroaches. Sprinkle it lightly around areas you’re having problems, and reapply after cleaning.
3. Bait Stations
You’ll find many bait stations in the market that sell food laced with poison, which attracts cockroaches. When they eat the poison, it spreads to others, helping to minimize the population.
4. Essential Oils
Peppermint or tea tree oil are natural repellents. Mix a few drops with water and spray around areas where cockroaches hide. This method won’t stop an infestation but effectively repels them from housing certain areas.
When to Call a Professional Exterminator
In extreme cases, more than a DIY method is required. Professional pest control services have more potent solutions and can more effectively target the infestation. Pest management services in Toronto know the types of pests that surface in different seasons, helping them offer effective, long-lasting solutions.
When searching for a pest control company, pick a licensed and experienced provider. Today, many companies offer eco-friendly or integrated pest management (IPM), which uses fewer chemicals and prevents insects rather than attacks them.
Maintaining a Cockroach-Free Environment
After treating an infestation, you need to keep your home clean and sealed so you won’t be doomed to repeat the cycle. Practice the above preventive measures, watch for cockroach activity regularly, and fix any required repairs.
If you live in a multi-unit building, it’s worth letting neighbours and building management know, as cockroaches can quickly spread to other units. Help property managers conduct regular inspections and deal with pest problems caused by building-wide problems, including plumbing leaks or cracks in walls.
Conclusion
With the extreme cold winters, dealing with cockroach infestation might be the last thing you’d want to do. Knowing and practicing some preventative measures is essential to keeping such situations under control.
In this blog post, we have gradually explained the type of infestation Toronto residents can expect during winter, as well as preventive measures and DIY tips. While small infestations can be handled without external help, large infestations may require the expertise of professionals. Research pest control experts in and around your area to know about their services and user ratings.
At GTA Toronto Pest Control, we use sustainable measures to prevent insect infestations in your homes and workspaces. Look for our nearest branches in your area to get your home cockroach-free.
