Prevention and treatment

How can I prevent a cockroach infestation?

It is important to keep your home clean to eliminate potential food sources for cockroaches. This includes:

• cleaning all surfaces of food, dust and grime;
• wiping up food spills;
• washing dishes regularly and keeping the sink clear of dirty dishes;
• vacuuming behind appliances;
• regularly emptying garbage bins;
• storing food in closed containers; and
• remove exposed pet food and clean pet dishes after eating.

Leaking taps can be a source of water for cockroaches, and should be repaired as quickly as possible.

How can I treat a cockroach infestation?

Using chemicals yourself is not recommended because the chemicals sold in stores are not effective and can be dangerous if used the wrong way. Using chemicals yourself may make the problem worse and spread cockroaches to other units.

Kill any live cockroaches you see, but licensed professional pest control technicians are needed to deal with the problem effectively. They are able to:

• find nesting and breeding areas;
• provide information and education about food/water containment and sanitation, which is key to stopping cockroaches from laying eggs; and
• safely and responsibly apply chemicals that control and kill cockroaches, including chemicals not sold to the public.

To see if treatments and cleaning are working, glue boards can be purchased and placed in areas where cockroaches are commonly found, including under sinks, beside the refrigerator, or in closed cupboards.

Who is responsible when cockroaches are found in a rental unit?

It takes teamwork to get rid of cockroaches, especially in multi-family buildings. Tenants, landlords and pest control technicians all have a role to play.

If tenants have, or think they may have a problem with cockroaches, they should tell their landlord right away. Once landlords have been told, they are responsible for making sure their units are pest-free. Tenants must cooperate with the landlord's plans to treat the rental unit for cockroaches.