Cockroaches in Ontario homes
Identify the cockroach in your home, learn the signs, and see what to do before you call.
Cockroaches are fast, nocturnal and good at hiding. Most people only notice them after dark or when the problem has been growing for a while. Knowing which one you have is the first step.
What do cockroaches look like?
The most common indoor cockroach in Ontario homes and apartments is the German cockroach. Adults are about 1.3 to 1.6 cm long, tan to light brown, with two dark stripes running behind the head. They have wings but do not fly. Younger roaches (nymphs) are wingless and darker.
Species in Ontario
The German cockroach is the one most likely to infest kitchens and apartments. Larger species, such as the American and oriental cockroach, also occur in Ontario. They tend to turn up in damp areas such as basements and drains.
Not sure which one you have? Our German cockroach guide covers the small ones in detail.
What are the signs of a cockroach infestation?
- Live roaches at night, or in the day when the group is large
- Small dark droppings, like pepper or coffee grounds, in cabinets and corners
- Egg cases in cracks or behind appliances
- A musty smell in a heavy infestation
- Roaches trapped on sticky traps placed under sinks and beside appliances
Why do I have roaches if my place is clean?
Because cleanliness is not the main cause. German cockroaches are spread by people and do not come in from outdoors. They arrive in bags, boxes, groceries, appliances and used furniture. In an apartment, they can also walk in from a neighbouring unit. Crumbs and moisture help them settle in.
How serious are cockroaches?
They are not an emergency, but they should not be ignored. Health Canada says cockroaches can walk over and leave waste on food and food-prep surfaces. Their droppings and body parts can also trigger reactions in people with asthma. A few roaches can turn into many quickly. A German cockroach female carries her egg case until just before it hatches, and one case holds about 40 eggs.
How do cockroaches spread in apartment buildings?
Through shared walls, plumbing and wiring, and on people’s belongings. Health Canada notes that German cockroaches shelter in dark, damp areas near food. Gaps around pipes are easy routes between units.
What to do now, and what not to do
Do:
- Store food in sealed containers and take out garbage daily.
- Wipe up spills and fix leaks.
- Seal cracks and pipe openings.
- Use sticky traps to see where they are active.
- Tell your landlord in writing if you rent.
Do not:
- Spray around the room. It can scatter roaches into walls or neighbouring units.
- Use products without a PCP registration number.
- Put baits or sprays where children or pets can reach them.
Can I get rid of roaches myself?
You can cut down their food, water and hiding places, which does help. Clearing a German cockroach infestation yourself is hard, since the eggs and hidden roaches survive a quick fix. For anything more than a stray sighting, we recommend professional help.
How does professional treatment work?
Our process is inspect, identify, treat and follow up. We find where they live, confirm the species, then use baits, growth regulators and sealing as the situation needs. A follow-up visit checks the results. See cockroach control for the full process.
If you run a restaurant or other food business, our commercial pest control page explains how we work with them.
Related pests
Rental buildings can have more than one pest. If you also have bites, read about bed bugs.
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Common questions
Do cockroaches fly?
German cockroaches have wings but cannot fly. Some larger species can glide or flutter short distances. In most Ontario homes the problem is the German cockroach, which runs fast instead. Seeing one in the open during the day can mean a large group nearby.
Can they live in a dishwasher or fridge motor?
Yes. Roaches look for warm, dark places close to food and water, and appliances offer both. Extension sources list the areas behind refrigerators and stoves as common hiding places. Do not take appliances apart yourself. Describe it to your technician.
Are roaches worse in summer?
Warm weather helps them breed, but German cockroaches live indoors, so heated buildings let them stay active through an Ontario winter. Do not wait for spring. Ask for a quote when you first see signs.
Do I need to throw food away?
Throw out food that has been chewed through or left open. Keep the rest in sealed plastic or glass containers. Health Canada notes roaches can contaminate food by walking on it, so any food they could reach and that is not sealed is worth discarding.
Do roaches come in grocery bags?
They can. German cockroaches are spread by people and often hitchhike in food, cartons, bags and used furniture, sometimes as egg cases. Check boxes and used items before bringing them in, and avoid storing food in cardboard.
Can I stop them from spreading to neighbours?
Not alone. Roaches travel through shared walls and pipes, so you should tell your landlord promptly and cooperate with treatment. Sealing gaps around pipes and keeping your unit clean help, but treating nearby units works best.
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