Cockroaches, also known as roaches, are gregarious insects that reproduce quickly when they find shelter in our apartments. They feed on crumbs of food as well as soap, toothpaste, wood, leather, excrement, etc. Besides being able to transmit diseases, the presence of cockroaches can cause allergic reactions (sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, headaches, etc.) that are found even more frequently in people with asthma.

Once they’ve settled in an apartment, they can quickly spread to other units and infest an entire block. That’s why it’s important to call on an experienced cockroach exterminator when their presence is detected to carry out a cockroach extermination.

How to recognize cockroaches ?

Cockroaches are common insects that can be found in homes, restaurants, hotels, and other buildings. They are oval in shape and brown or black in color. They have long antennae and six legs. They can measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters in length.

Cockroach droppings look like black peppercorns or dark spots. They can be found in places such as kitchen cabinets, drawers, shelves, and room corners. They can also emit an unpleasant odor which can be described as a musty smell.

Cockroaches lay eggs in dark, damp places such as closets, kitchen cabinets, drawers and cracks in walls. The eggs can be oval in shape and measure between a few millimeters and one centimeter in length. Finally, they can move quickly, often running along walls or hiding in corners.

In short, cockroaches are resistant insects well adapted to life indoors and outdoors. Their morphology allows them to squeeze into tight spaces and hide easily, making their elimination difficult.

How to find cockroaches ?

Cockroaches are nocturnal insects. You’ll only rarely see them in broad daylight except in the case of a major infestation. They love darkness, humidity, heat, and food. They are therefore often found in kitchens and bathrooms. They like to hide under appliances and behind refrigerators, which give off heat. It’s not uncommon to find them under sinks, where the condensation on the pipes lets them drink. They have no trouble moving from the garbage can to the toilet and can then be found on your toothbrush or in your food. They can be found in cupboards and other places where there is food.

How to get rid of German cockroaches ?

Here are some steps you can take to get rid of German cockroaches:

• Identify traffic areas and hiding places: German cockroaches hide in dark, warm places, such as cupboards, drawers, appliances and cracks in walls. Identify cockroach passage and hiding areas to target your elimination efforts.
• Clean the house regularly: cockroaches are attracted to food, dirt and debris. Regularly clean surfaces, appliances, cabinets and drawers to remove leftover food and debris.
• Use cockroach traps: Cockroach traps are an effective method of trapping cockroaches and preventing them from breeding. Place the traps in the cockroach passage and hiding areas.
• Use insecticides: insecticide sprays can be effective in eliminating German cockroaches. Be sure to use an insecticide made specifically for German cockroaches, as other insecticides may not work. Follow the instructions for use carefully.

If these methods are not effective, it’s strongly recommended to do business with an exterminator. They will guide you in taking specific hygiene measures that will let you protect your food and your personal effects. These measures will also let you cut off the cockroaches’ food sources as much as possible. Following the preparations, your cockroach exterminator will be able to proceed with the treatments. In some cases, the cockroach extermination may require several visits.