Cockroaches are year round pests that hide 75-90% of their time. They are nocturnal; they come out at night and feed in the dark.
A cockroach needs very little to live. A little warmth, a little shelter, and a little moisture, and a small amount of food are all that is required for a cockroach to survive. Roaches prefer environments close to food sources. However, cockroaches can be found in many locations in the home, not just the kitchen.
When determining where cockroaches may be hiding, search potential pipe chases or sources of water for additional harbourage areas. If a cockroach infestation is present, the aggregation pheromones in their fecal matter cause other cockroaches to habour in specific areas. These fecal focal points are where these roaches will accumulate and are key in finding and controlling groups of roaches.
Roaches follow along edges and other structural lines and can get into almost any small crevasse. Places to begin searching include moldings, counters, shelves, cracks, fume hoods, stoves, dishwashers, water basins, tubs, fridges, columns, cardboard, etc. If they can get into in it, they are likely there.
Insect monitors can be used to determine potential harbourage areas. Placement of monitors in suspected areas of food, water and hiding places can assist in determining alternative harbourage areas.
Cockroaches can be found in dirty or unkept houses so sanitation is key. All food sources available to cockroaches should be eliminated by tidying countertops, floors and around garbage cans. Also, your appliances should be kept clean. Try not to leave dishes in the sink overnight. Since cockroaches come out at night, they may be drawn to any food left on plates that are sitting in the sink. Any exposed food should be stored in sealed containers.
See the professionals at Poulin’s Pest Control for an assessment and your treatment options for this public health pest.