Types Of Cockroaches Commonly Found In Toronto

By Author: Brian Menard
Total Articles: 2
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Cockroaches are one of the most commonly found pests around the world. If you're planning to relocate to Toronto or surrounding areas, there are good chances that you'll have to face these pests. If not exterminated properly they can pose serious threat to human health. Read on to know more.

Cockroaches are known to have existed since the times of dinosaurs! Of almost 4,500 known species of cockroaches 30 are known to have associated with human habitation. Due to Toronto's southerly location it experiences humid continental climate, which is considered perfect for pest breeding especially for cockroaches.

If you're planning to shift to Toronto in near future, you must be prepared to face off four basic species of cockroaches, which are German, American, Brown-banded and Oriental cockroaches. Though all of these cockroaches have a lot in common from habits to impacts, there still are minor differences that help us differentiate between them, especially their appearance.

Before discussing different species of cockroaches found in Toronto, let’s discuss the similarities of all cockroaches:

* Habits: ...
... Generally cockroaches are nocturnal insects. They like to come out at night but that doesn't stop them from appearing during daytime. If visible in daylight, it should be taken as a sign of heavy infestation.

* Food: Almost all species of cockroaches eat paper, leather, plants, starchy food and meat among others.

* Habitats: All species of cockroaches are found at warm, dark and wet locations such as sewers or basement pipes and drains.

* Impact: All species of cockroaches crawl through dirty areas and around our homes in tandem. This results in them bringing a lot of bacteria and germs into our home. Cockroaches are known to contaminate food by shedding their skins or crawling through them. Their cast off skins and waste byproducts are allergens that are known to trigger asthma and other illnesses.

American Cockroaches
These are usually the largest cockroaches found in Toronto homes and can grow up to 4 centimeters in length. Females are known to hatch up to 150 offspring per year. Usually reddish brown in color, they also have a yellowish figure eight pattern behind their head. American cockroaches eat just about anything from plants to other insects.

German Cockroaches
These are usually 1.3cms in length and oval in size. One of the most common cockroach species around the world, they can live up to 100 to 200 days. German cockroaches are attracted to sweet and floury food as well as non-organic food like books and toothpastes. They are brown to dark brown in color.

Oriental Cockroaches
Originally from Africa, these cockroaches are very dark in color when compared to other cockroaches. They tend to prefer dirty places and cooler temperatures more than any other species. Considered one of the dirtiest species of cockroaches, they carry a strong smell. Oriental cockroaches feed on all types of garbage and organic material. They are known to grow up to 2.5cms when mature.

Brown-banded Cockroaches
These small species of cockroaches are known to grow up to 10 to 14mm in length. Usually brown in color, they also have lighter bands of color appearing across the wings. Life cycle of brown-banded cockroaches lasts up to 5 to 6 ½ months. They prefer eating starchy food like wallpaper paste and book bindings and are also known to savor non-organic things.

There are various other pests found in Canada like rodents, bed bugs and wasps among others apart from cockroaches Toronto and surrounding area residents are encouraged to contact reliable and professional pests Extermination Company on first sighting.

The author of this article is associated with Reliable Pest Control, a family owned pest Control Company operating since 1938, offering extermination services of pests like rats, cockroaches, mice, ants and bed bugs Toronto residents trust them for all their pest control requirements.