Cockroach Types, Life Cycle, Removal & Prevention: Orkin Canada’s Guide

• The Cockroach Life Cycle: From Egg To Adult
• Types Of Cockroaches
• Cockroach Behaviour
• Where To Look For Cockroaches In Your Home Or Commercial Building
• The Harmful Risks Of Having A Cockroach Infestation
• Cockroach Removal And Prevention
• Contact An Orkin Pro For Cockroach Pest Control

400 million years ago, cockroaches scuttled into existence – and they’ve been bugging us ever since. Ancient Egyptians cast spells to get rid of them, Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder deemed them “disgusting” and Aristotle even postulated about their lack of souls. Today, it is estimated that 11% of the population suffers from katsaridaphobia: fear of cockroaches. And for good reason.

These pests can live headless for a week, survive without food for a month and keep kicking through radiation levels that would kill a human in just 10 minutes. It seems these creepy crawlers can survive it all (that is, until an Orkin Pro arrives).

If you’ve ever seen them scampering across the floor and the walls, you know the panic they can cause as they appear around corners or amongst stored food items. Even though cockroaches are common in many cities in Canada, they’re still some of the filthiest pests imaginable. Plus, they’re also a major health concern for you and your family members.

The good news is, if you’re looking for how to get rid of cockroaches, Orkin Canada has cockroach pest control services that are extremely effective in squashing the problem. Plus, we’re experts in pest control – we know the ins and outs of these creepy crawlers and can share our knowledge with you. From the types of cockroaches to which cockroach traps and sprays are most effective, we’ve got all the answers to the cockroach questions you might be asking. Let’s start at the beginning with the cockroach life cycle.

The Cockroach Life Cycle: From Egg To Adult

While cockroach species may differ in appearance, habit and behaviour, they all share the same basic developmental stages: egg, nymph and adult. After all, not even cockroaches are immune to that awkward adolescent stage.

Egg: Eggs produced by female cockroaches are enclosed in resilient cases known as oothecae. Depending on the species, mothers may either carry these oothecae around or store them in crevices, in voids or behind cabinets. The number of eggs per egg capsule also depends on the species of the cockroach; it can range from 10 to 60. Likewise, the number of egg capsules produced by a female in her lifetime may range from 5 to 30.

Nymph: Otherwise known as young cockroaches, nymphs are similar in appearance to their adult counterparts but may lack certain physical traits like wings and are not sexually mature.

Molting: As nymphs grow, they shed their exoskeletons. This “molting” process varies in duration depending on the cockroach species, with some undergoing as many as 13 molts over a period of 18 months.

Adult: After the final molt, these insects emerge as sexually mature, adult cockroaches. Cockroaches generally have a lifespan of between six months and one year.

What Do Cockroach Egg Cases Look Like?

Contrary to what some may believe, cockroach egg cases can be seen with the naked eye. The egg cases are usually reddish-brown to dark-brown in colour and range from 5 to 13 mm long, depending on the type of cockroach. Egg capsules typically may go unnoticed because they are deposited and glued in hidden to semi-hidden locations which are not readily visible or hard to reach, such as behind picture frames or under furniture. Finding a visible egg case is a sure sign of infestation in the home.

Some cockroaches such as the German cockroach carry the egg capsules around for much of the developmental process, dropping them off in safe, hidden locations just a few hours before the eggs hatch. Others, like the American cockroach, drop the egg capsule a few hours or days after its formation.

What Do Baby Cockroaches Look Like?

Baby cockroaches (known as nymphs) hatch from eggs after an incubation period of about 20 to 60 days, depending on species and environmental conditions. Once they emerge from the egg case, they are white in colour. After a short time, the skin will darken to a deep brown.

The nymphs are miniature versions of adults, except they lack wings and differ in colour from adult cockroaches—they’re often lighter. The German cockroach, for instance, which ranks as the most important and common structure-infesting species in Canada, produces nymphs that are darker in colour than adults and feature lighter-coloured longitudinal streaks running down the backs of the baby insects.

As they grow, baby cockroaches undergo several molts before reaching full maturity. The transitional period of time in between each molt is called an instar. Baby cockroaches typically go through six or seven instars and become fully grown adults within 40 to 160 days, depending on species and on the temperature of the surrounding environment.

Types Of Cockroaches

From what they look like to how they produce their eggs, it can be tough to distinguish which cockroach you might be dealing with. Here’s the lowdown on the most common types of cockroaches we see.

German cockroach

German cockroaches are light brown with two dark stripes running across their pronotum. About half an inch in length (14 to 16 mm), they’re considered one of the smaller species of roaches. They are the most important and common structure-infesting cockroaches in Canada. A concerning pest, the German cockroach reproduces quickly and efficiently. The female carries around the developing eggs inside the egg capsule and deposits the capsule right before eggs hatch. After depositing an egg capsule, the female can begin producing more eggs in a matter of weeks. As many as 50 nymphs may hatch from a single ootheca. Female German cockroaches usually produce between 4 and 8 egg capsules in a lifetime. Because German cockroaches produce multiple egg capsules containing large numbers of eggs, populations can boom in a relatively short amount of time. A typical German cockroach infestation population will contain about 75% nymphs. Plus, German cockroaches deposit pheromones in safe gathering places, alerting fellow cockroaches to habitable territory. Drawn to warm and humid environments, German cockroaches seek readily available water sources and accessible hiding places.

American cockroach

With a body size that can measure up to 3 inches long (up to 54 mm), the American cockroach is the largest of all common structure-infesting species. American cockroach egg cases contain 14-16 eggs, with nymphs undergoing 13 molts before reaching sexual maturity. Introverts of the cockroach world, American cockroaches tend to live in solitude. That said, they can’t resist a good housewarming party; more than 5,000 cockroaches were once found in a sewer manhole. From pipes to food processing facilities, American cockroaches can make virtually any location their home. However, they do prefer 70- to 80-degree weather (don’t we all?).

Brown-banded cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach’s name stems from the two distinctive brown bands covering their wings. They’re roughly the same size as German cockroaches. And where there’s one, there are many. This species glues its egg cases to inconspicuous hiding places on furniture, walls and ceilings. In a short time, those eggs will deliver a new wave of intruders. Male brown-banded cockroaches are able to fly, but females stay grounded. When it comes to where these cockroaches like to live, brown-banded cockroaches lurk in warm, dry areas. Their favourite hiding spaces tend to be in cabinets, around appliances or within furniture.

Oriental cockroach

Oriental cockroaches are dark red-brown or black, with a “greasy” sheen to their exoskeleton. They’re about double the size of German and brown-banded cockroaches (up to 25 mm long). These cockroaches produce fewer offspring than their counterparts, only creating up to eight egg cases in a season. Compared to other cockroaches, oriental cockroaches are considered, well, sluggish (no offense to slugs). They’re rarely found on upper floors and ceilings, opting instead to stay close to the ground. You’ll commonly see these pests in sewers, basements and crawlspaces since they enjoy humid, moist locations.

Smoky-brown cockroach

The smoky-brown cockroach’s name comes from its gleaming brownish-black colour, which is accented by two wings – that, unlike most other cockroach species, actually work for flying. On average, the female will produce 10 egg cases, with each containing about 20 eggs. Developmental time varies by temperature, ranging from 160 to 716 days. Unlike other cockroaches, smoky-brown cockroaches are attracted to light. They’re known to dart into buildings with lights left on. They generally live outdoors in protected, moist areas, like tree holes. But if you think you’ll only find them outside, you’re barking up the wrong tree. These pests are known to fly into attics or slide through foundation crevices.

Wood cockroach

There are many species of wood cockroaches, but the most common in Canada is the Pennsylvania wood cockroach. It has a light, yellowish colour and measures about 22–30 mm in length. Although both the male and female wood cockroaches have wings, it’s the male that’s the stronger flyer. Like their name suggests, they love to live in tree barks, wood piles, etc. Homeowners can accidentally bring them inside when carrying firewood and once they’re in, they can squeeze into the tiniest spaces that are warm and moist. Since these pests love wood, their main meal of choice is dead plant material.

Cockroach Behaviour

Highly adaptable, incredibly fast and preferring to travel in darkness, cockroaches are pretty fascinating pests. Though they are often unwelcome, their behaviours offer a glimpse into the complex instincts that have allowed them to thrive for millions of years. Let’s squash some of the most common questions we get asked around cockroach behaviour.

Do cockroaches fly?

Many of the more than 3,500 cockroach species in the world can fly. Though both males and females of the German cockroach species have wings, they do not fly except for short, downward gliding. Meanwhile, both sexes of the smoky-brown species of cockroach are strong fliers. Amongst the brown-banded and wood cockroaches, only the males enjoy flying capabilities. Though not regarded as true flyers, both male and female American cockroaches maintain the ability to glide through the air. Both sexes of the Oriental cockroach lack the capacity to fly, while the Canadian cockroach species capable of flying are generally only able to remain in the air for short amounts of time.

Despite possessing four wings, each flying cockroach uses just a single pair for air travel. Thick and protective, the front pair of wings displays the same colouration as the body of the cockroach and rests against the back of the insect when not in use. The back pair of wings is membranous and thin, and remains hidden and protected beneath the front pair until the cockroach takes flight. When preparing to fly, cockroaches lift the front wings to expose the back wings. The insects keep the front wings lifted while flying and move through the air by using the back pair.

Even though many cockroaches can fly, the insects boast highly effective legs and prove more adept at running than flying. The body of a cockroach features three legs extending from each side of the thorax. Covered with setae and pointy spines, each leg varies in length and fulfills different yet interrelated functions that enable the physical act of running. With a total of six legs working together to propel the insects forward, cockroaches can cover a distance equal to roughly 50 body lengths in a single second. For a human to run the same distance as 50 of their own body lengths in one second, they would have to reach a speed of about 200 miles per hour.

Do cockroaches make noise?

Common cockroaches, such as the American and German species, are not known for making noise. While these pests are sometimes reported to make a clicking sound, this is likely a case of the observer misidentifying click beetles as cockroaches. However, if populations of cockroaches are large enough, the noise of their fluttering wings is audible. The noise typically associated with cockroaches is the crunch sound they make when smashed.

Hissing cockroaches

Madagascar hissing cockroaches, one of the largest species of the pest, are an exception to the rule. They get their name from the hissing noise made through small openings in their sides, called spiracles. Hissing cockroaches make these sounds when threatened, fighting or attracting mates. Some Australian cockroaches also produce sounds, creating acoustic vibrations to attract mates by rubbing their legs or wings together. Otherwise, there is no evidence of vocalization between cockroaches. Instead, much like other insects, they communicate with each other by means of pheromones.

Do cockroaches bite?

The good news is, it’s very rare for a cockroach to bite humans or pets. They are omnivores, always on the hunt for plants and meat to eat – so a bite may only happen if food becomes extremely scarce. Usually, cockroaches will have plenty to munch on in terms of garbage or exposed food. When infestations grow large enough to exhaust more attractive sources of nourishment, cockroaches will bite people to eat food particles stuck to human skin. Learn more about cockroach bites.

Where To Look For Cockroaches In Your Home Or Commercial Building

Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal insects. They prefer warm, dark, moist places to hide and breed. Because they can flatten their bodies to fit into narrow spaces, cockroaches may be found in:

• Hidden, protected places like wall voids, false ceilings, beneath floors, behind and in/under appliances, equipment and furniture;
• Electronics;
• Food preparation and dining areas;
• Employee locker rooms;
• Storage areas and closets;
• Laundry areas;
• Waiting areas; and
• Many other places!

Signs Of A Cockroach Infestation

1) You see fecal droppings on your floor.
Your floor isn’t mysteriously covered in black pepper. Smaller cockroaches produce feces similar in size and appearance to ground coffee, whereas larger roaches will leave droppings comparable in size to those of baby mice.

2) You see hatched or unhatched egg cases.
When cockroach nymphs emerge from their oothecae, they leave their casings behind. Check for these brown, oblong casings behind furniture, in between cracks on walls and in other tight, protected areas.

3) You smell something, well, smelly.
Certain roaches, such as the Oriental cockroach, can produce a pungent odour akin to musty oil. Dead roaches may also give off a putrid scent, as oleic acid is produced during their decomposition.

4) You see them crawling around during the day.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s rare to spot a roach in the daylight. This is for two reasons: 1) roaches tend to be nocturnal creatures, preferring to scuttle after sundown, and 2) roaches spend about 75% of their lives in hiding. Spotting a roach during daylight hours may be a sign of a full-fledged infestation.

The Harmful Risks Of Having A Cockroach Infestation

Cockroaches are what we call “opportunistic scavengers;” the scientific term for “they’ll eat just about anything, anywhere.” With the world as their all-you-can-eat buffet, they’ll dine on anything from discarded food to cat feces. After dining, dangerous bacteria can stay in their systems for up to one month. They then transfer these germs to human food and surfaces, spreading a whole host of bacteria, including Salmonella, Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. In fact, cockroaches have been reported to spread at least 33 kinds of bacteria, six kinds of parasitic worms and seven other kinds of pathogens.

They can also cause asthma. Proteins in crushed cockroach body fragments and feces become components of dust around households and commercial facilities. After inhaling these particles, sensitive children and adults develop a series of allergic reactions, with some even escalating to asthma. For the 25+ million North Americans affected by allergies, the presence of cockroaches can be downright threatening.

Cockroach Removal And Prevention

Cockroach removal isn’t easy. Especially when there are hundreds of them. That’s why it’s important to leave it to professional pest control experts like Orkin Canada. We have some valuable tips on how to get rid of cockroaches and what you can do to keep them out.

How to get rid of cockroaches

If you’re wondering, “How can I kill cockroaches?” – there are some effective household remedies you can try for cockroach pest control. From cockroach traps to cockroach spray, we have some expert advice on what you can do to trap cockroaches at home.

Remember, these options really only offer short-term solutions. For long-term control of cockroach infestations, contact an Orkin Pro.

How to keep cockroaches out

Want to stop cockroaches from coming inside? Here are some important steps you can take to help prevent cockroaches from invading your home or facility.

• In all areas that may store or handle food, pay special attention to cleaning up any food debris, spills, scraps and trash. Cockroaches will eat anything provided to them.
• Sweep and mop regularly to remove debris that attracts cockroaches. Don’t forget to clean underneath/inside machines and other equipment.
• Clean any spills and quickly fix any leaking appliances to remove moisture sources attractive to cockroaches.
• Inspect all incoming shipment boxes thoroughly for droppings as well as live or dead pests.
• Seal cracks, gaps and holes in doors, windows and walls where cockroaches can easily enter.
• Periodically inspect and clean employee lockers.
• Eliminate clutter. Roaches love cluttered areas that protect and harbour them.
• In food preparation areas, make sure all food is put away in airtight containers.
• Practice good garbage disposal – empty and wash trash bins on a regular schedule. Don’t allow garbage to overflow or sit on the floor.
• Keep vegetation trimmed back at least two feet from buildings.
• Establish a routine monitoring program that includes insect monitors and periodic inspections.

Want to learn about more ways to prevent cockroaches? Download our Cockroach Pest Spotlight for expert tips or this comprehensive Cockroach Guide on how to manage cockroach infestations in commercial businesses.

Contact An Orkin Pro For Cockroach Pest Control

Cockroaches can be incredibly difficult to manage once an infestation is present. The fastest and most dependable option is to call an Orkin Pro to assess the situation and provide the appropriate treatment. Contact Orkin today to learn more about our cockroach pest control services. We have the right tools and expertise to squash your cockroach issue.