Pest Control: Cockroach Infestation on the Rise

Cockroach’s In Condo’s

Cockroaches have been the headline in the last month in Calgary due to their involvement in the daycare crisis for all types of Pest Control. Unfortunately in early September, there was a bug cockroach infestation at a shared kitchen that was used by several daycares in Calgary which resulted in various cases of E. Coli outbreak in children. Cockroaches can be a serious health hazard, which is why we want you to be prepared and practice good prevention so that you will never have to worry about cockroaches in your business locations. We will take a look at what cockroaches are, and the best prevention tips for your business. 

What are they? 

There are two types of cockroaches, however the species that is found in Alberta are German Cockroaches. They are insects that measure between 1.3cm to 1.6cm; tan and light brown with two dark parallel stripes running down its body. They are normally only active during the night, which can make it difficult to know that they exist in your condo’s. They are the most common household cockroaches globally. But, they typically cause the most problems for commercial businesses and properties such as Condo Management and Hotels with places of food processing and restaurants. 

Where are they most commonly found in Pest Control?

Cockroaches are found in dark, damp places like under sinks, where food and water are available. Consequently, that is the reason why hotel management and condo management are the top targets for cockroaches and why hiring pest control is important for these areas of business. Once they are inside buildings, it is easy for them to travel around searching for food. They are especially attracted to food with starches, sugars and protein; however, they will eat anything when they are hungry. If you believe your property or your business has a cockroach infestation, fill out our customer form, and we can give you a consultation to see what the best course of action for you is.

Health and Safety Hazards with Cockroaches

Cockroaches don’t usually cause structural damage to buildings, however they can pose serious health hazards, as mentioned in the beginning with the daycare outbreak. They can carry and contaminate diseases and spread them throughout your businesses, whether it be office spaces or industrial workplace’s. Some of these diseases can be as serious as the shiga toxin-producing E. Coli strain, as we saw recently with these daycares across the city. That is one reason why it is important to practice good preventative measures to ensure you never have to worry about cockroach infestation. 

What can I do to Prevent Cockroaches in my Place of Business? 

Prevention is the most important concept when it comes to dealing with cockroaches and insect control in general.. Here are the best things you can do to prevent Cockroaches:

1. Cleaning – In office spaces, it’s easy to let cleaning slide, especially for smaller businesses Always:
   • Clean up spills immediately
   • Regularly clean out fridges and freezers
   • Take out the garbage on a weekly basis
   • Vacuum weekly 
2. Be Aware – Cockroaches come into your spaces through people. This can be either through boxes brought in or backpacks and bags.
3. Storage – Make sure to store your food in tightly sealed containers and don’t leave dishes with food in them out in the open or overnight. Cockroaches are night time dwellers which is why it is especially important to not leave food out overnight

When to call Martin’s Pest Control

At Martin’s Pest Control, we do things the right way the first time. If you have a commercial property that you believe is infested with cockroaches, visit our website for more information to see if we are the right fit for you. You can always fill out our contact form and we will give you a call!