Cockroach control in Ontario

Cockroaches are hard to get rid of with a store-bought spray. They hide in cracks, breed quickly and spread through shared walls. Our cockroach control in Ontario follows four steps: inspect, identify the species, treat and follow up. Ask for a quote and you get details in under 30 minutes.

Cockroach control, step by step

1. Inspect. We look for where the roaches live, how many there are and what lets them stay.
2. Identify. The species matters, because German and American cockroaches live and feed differently. Read the cockroach identification page if you want to check yourself first.
3. Treat. We pick products and methods to suit the species and the place.
4. Follow up. We come back to check the results and treat any spots where roaches persist.

This is the same process we describe in our IPM approach.

Where do cockroaches hide?

Kitchens

Kitchens give roaches food, water and warmth. Common hiding spots are behind and under the fridge and stove, inside cabinet corners, and around the dishwasher and sink. Roaches are mostly active at night, so you may only see them when you turn on the light.

Bathrooms

Moisture draws them in. Look around the toilet, under the vanity and at pipe openings.

Shared walls and plumbing

Gaps around pipes and wiring let roaches travel between units. Health Canada advises sealing cracks and pipe openings for this reason. In a building, a roach in your kitchen may have walked there from next door.

How do you get rid of cockroaches in an apartment?

Extension guidance for German cockroaches points to baits first, along with cleaning and monitoring. Sticky traps help find the busy spots.

Why rotating products matters

Roaches can become resistant to a product that is used again and again. Rutgers extension guidance recommends alternating products with different chemical classes. Different brand names can contain the same active ingredient, so a professional checks.

Why spraying alone can scatter roaches

Spraying a fast-acting product around the room can push roaches deeper into walls or into the next unit. That is a main reason roaches seem to disappear and then return.

Why do I still have roaches after spraying?

Spraying kills the roaches it touches. It does not stop the egg cases hidden in cracks from hatching. A German cockroach female carries her egg case until just before it hatches, and one case holds about 40 eggs. That is why a follow-up matters.

How long does cockroach treatment take to work?

You may see fewer roaches within days, but clearing a home takes weeks. Follow-up every two to four weeks is standard for German cockroaches until none are seen for around a month. Read more in our German cockroach guide.

What can you do to help?

Treatment works best with good housekeeping. Health Canada suggests combining cleaning with pesticide use. Helpful steps:

• Store food in sealed plastic or glass containers.
• Wipe up spills and crumbs, and do not leave dishes overnight.
• Empty garbage daily and keep it sealed.
• Fix leaks and run bathroom fans.
• Reduce cardboard and clutter, where roaches hide.
• Caulk cracks and pipe openings.

Are cockroaches a sign of a dirty home?

Not necessarily. German cockroaches are spread by people. They hitchhike in bags, boxes and used furniture, so clean homes can get them too. Crumbs and moisture let them stay and multiply.

Apartments, condos and shared buildings

Roaches in one unit often mean roaches in others. Treating the whole building, or at least the units around yours, gives much better results.

In Ontario, landlords must deal with pests such as cockroaches under their duty to maintain rental units. In Toronto, apartment building owners must inspect common areas for pests at least every 30 days and inspect within 72 hours of learning of a pest report. Tell your landlord in writing and keep a copy.

We serve many cities, including Toronto and Hamilton.

Restaurants and food businesses

Cockroaches can walk across food-prep surfaces, which creates a food safety risk. If you run a restaurant, cafe or food processor, see our commercial pest control page. Food businesses need a plan that fits their opening hours, cleaning routines and inspections.

Other pests that live in shared buildings

Roaches are not the only problem in rental buildings. If you also have bites, see our bed bug treatment.

Get a free quote

Request a quote and you will get price details or a call-back in under 30 minutes. Fill in the free quote form or call us, and we will book your inspection with you.