The German cockroach is the most prevalent species of roach in Toronto largely because of its aggressive breeding. The cockroach is also omnivorous and will eat almost anything found in the typical home.
The amount of time it takes to get rid of German cockroaches largely depends on the size of the infestation and the control method used. Generally speaking, most infestations take about two weeks to terminate. A heavy infestation may take up to eight weeks. These timelines are of course for professional exterminators. DIY cockroach removal will take much longer if at all it is successful.
Why You Should Hire an Exterminator
Most exterminators rely on residual pesticides, insect repellents, dust, roach baits, sprays and insect growth regulators or some combination of these. The most effective extermination method depends entirely on the type of infestation. You definitely wouldn’t be able to assess the situation yourself and figure out the most appropriate course of action.
Consider the strict pesticide regulations in Canada. You simply cannot get your hands on the effective and powerful chemicals used by exterminators. German cockroaches are resilient and have grown immune to over-the-counter pesticides.
There is also a good chance that you will need to treat multiple cervices and cracks to kill oothecae or egg casings. This is impossible to do without locating the casings and without the proper equipment. A common mistake that homeowners do is to kill the live cockroaches and expect the infestation to go away. The eggs tucked away in dark voids and cervices will eventually hatch and you will be right back where you started.
Successful extermination also requires that you make your home inhabitable for the insects in future. Any roaches that the insecticide didn’t get should eventually die of starvation if you do it right. Again, you need a keen eye to spot all food sources and potential hiding places. You also need to repair any leaking plumbing and remove moisture which attracts roaches. You need to fix all cracks and wall voids with caulk to keep the insects out. Only a professional can roach-proof your home successfully.
Finally, many German cockroach infestations need multiple treatments before all the insects are killed. An exterminator will determine any follow-up treatments or inspections which are included in the price.
Hire a professional exterminator in Toronto to avoid wasting time and money on unsuccessful DIY treatment. Ask for a warranty of at least six months. You should be able to tell by this time whether the treatment was successful.