Why Use Professionals for Exterminating Cockroaches
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient and frustrating pests to deal with. They reproduce quickly, hide effectively, and frustratingly, they have developed strong resistances to many of the insecticides available to the general public. While store-bought sprays and traps may reduce what you see on the surface, they rarely solve the root of the problem.
In this article you’ll learn about the process for our professional treatment and cockroach control in Guelph, from the first steps in identifying cockroach infestations to why a professional-grade treatment is the most reliable way to eliminate them from your home or business.
Identifying a Cockroach Infestation
You may have seen a cockroach roaming around, or maybe an insect that you think is a cockroach. Chances are, if it wasn’t at night (because cockroaches are nocturnal) it may have been another insect. If you see one during the day, that could indicate a much more serious infestation.
Cockroaches in Ontario can be confused with pantry beetles, and ground beetles.
What Does an Ontario Cockroach Look Like?
They are small (about ½ inch long), light brown to tan, with a flat, oval-shaped body and two dark parallel stripes running down the back of their head. They have long antennae, six spiny legs, and move very quickly when disturbed. Although they have wings, they rarely fly.
The variety in Ontario is the German cockroach which originally came from South Asia. It gets its name from a Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus, who in 1776 first collected samples of the cockroach in Germany. German cockroaches prefer warm, humid indoor environments, commonly hiding in kitchens, bathrooms, behind appliances, inside cabinets, and near plumbing. Because of their size and color, they’re often mistaken for beetles at first but their fast, darting movement is a giveaway. German cockroaches make up 99% of the cockroaches found in Ontario, but occasionally other varieties of the species pop-up in households and businesses.
Visual Signs of Cockroaches
- Small, dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or pepper
- Shed skins or egg casings (oothecae)
- Grease-like smear marks along walls, baseboards, or cabinets
Common Hiding Areas
- Under sinks and appliances
- Inside cabinets and pantries
- Utility rooms, boiler rooms, and electrical closets
- Commercial kitchens, storage rooms, and floor drains
In businesses, in particular restaurants, apartment buildings, and offices infestations can spread quickly between units or floors if not addressed in a timely manner. If you own a business that shares walls or is in a multi-unit space, often you will need to cooperate with the other owners to ensure that cockroaches are fully irradicated from the space. Because of their size, even if you only address your unit there is a good chance of cockroaches returning.
Why DIY Cockroach Extermination Usually Fails
Over-the-counter insecticides are designed to be accessible and low-risk for consumers, which means they are significantly weaker than professional products. Cockroaches have adapted over the years of exposure to insecticides and other chemicals, meaning they’re continually becoming stronger and more resilient. Sprays and gels often kill only exposed roaches, they’re not able to target the colony effectively. Survivors pass resistance traits on, making the infestation harder to control over time, especially if you’ve already done multiple DIY treatments.
The Professional Difference: One Treatment, Total Extermination
The professional treatment Westfort provides uses a state-of-the-art chemical developed within the last five years. This formulation is not available to the public and is restricted to licensed professionals. We’ve specifically chosen this treatment because of its innovative composition, and its effective treatment as requiring only one application, limiting disruptions for our customers.
Our cockroach extermination treatment is specifically engineered to overcome insecticide resistance. It is fast-acting and long-lasting, meaning you’ll only need to call us once. There is no ongoing spraying cycle, no repeat infestations, and no lingering colonies hiding behind walls.
What to Expect During the Extermination
To ensure safety and effectiveness, some preparation is required. We ask all customers vacate their space for 4 hours, including all people and pets. We also ask that before treatment, customers prepare the space by clearing all food preparation and eating surfaces. Plates, utensils, and cookware should be put away, and any exposed food must be sealed or properly stored. Follow these steps is critical to ensure the extermination is carried out safely and effectively.
Westfort Pest Control is Guelph’s Choice for Cockroach Exterminators
Cockroach infestations are not a cleanliness issue; we always handle these calls with discretion and empathy for our customers. When you work with us we will arrive in an unmarked vehicle so that the treatment is not put on display for any nosey neighbours.
If you want results that last, our professional treatment provides meaningful, lasting results that you can’t get by tackling the issue on your own. Work with us and you can rest easy knowing your cockroach infestation is gone for good.
Don’t let a cockroach or two turn into a major infestation.