About cockroaches:

Cockroaches are insects that are brown in color, have antennae and measure roughly four centimeters long when fully grown.  Cockroaches need food, water and warmth to survive. They live for approximately one year and lay eggs multiple times a year (~150 eggs annually) . Cockroaches are unlikely to bite humans, but their legs can cause scratches.

Are cockroaches a problem in Manitoba?

Yes. Manitoba is experiencing an increase in cockroach infestations, like many other parts of the country and around the world.  The two most common species of cockroaches found in Winnipeg are the German cockroach and the American cockroach. 

• German cockroaches are smaller in size and are light brown to tan in color with two dark stripes on their back. They prefer warm, humid environments and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas with access to food and water.
• American cockroaches are larger and darker in color, typically reddish-brown.  They are more likely to be found in sewers and other damp, dark areas, but may also be found indoors in large commercial buildings or homes.

Are cockroaches a health hazard?

Yes. Cockroaches and their droppings are a human health concern.  These pests are known to spread bacteria to humans by contaminating food, food preparation surfaces, (e.g., kitchen counters) and other areas.

Cockroaches carry bacteria and viruses inside and on their bodies, including:

• salmonella,
• staphylococcus,
• streptococcus,
• E. coli.

Cockroach shedding’s, saliva, body parts and droppings contain allergens that can cause asthma and allergic reactions. Ongoing exposure to these pests can make you sicker as time goes on.  If you are experiencing any health problems due to cockroaches, please contact your health-care provider.

How can I prevent a cockroach infestation?

To get rid of cockroaches in Canada, you need a multi-pronged approach: eliminate food, water, and shelter with extreme cleanliness (sealed containers, no crumbs, fix leaks, use dehumidifiers), seal entry points (caulk cracks), use baits and powders in hidden areas, and for severe infestations, hire a professional pest control expert. Regular vacuuming, monitoring with traps, and diligent sanitation are crucial to making your home inhospitable to these resilient pests. 

For schools:

Cockroaches are not typically found in schools.  However, infestations can occur when cockroaches hitch a ride on student/parent/staff clothing; inside lunch kits or lunch bags;  or in back packs/purses or bags when coming into the building.  What can you do to prevent or control an infestation:

• Notify your school custodian and the Facilities & Operations department that you have found a cockroach and indicate where it was found.  Schools have integrated pest management programs in place to deal with any bugs or rodent issues found on site.
• Classrooms/offices:
  • Bag or bin student’s lunch kits, jackets and personal items.  Seal the bin or bag.
  • Declutter the classrooms and ensure there is no storage of items on the floor.
  • Remove garbage after lunch and at the end of the day.
  • Ensure classroom are vacuumed daily to remove crumbs on floors.
  • Ensure sinks located in classrooms are left clean, no accumulation of dirty dishes.  Dry the sink when done using.  Do not use dishcloths.
  • Clean classroom desks/counters after use and at the end of each day.
• Staff rooms:
  • Ensure staff room counters are cleaned after each use. Clean counters including under appliances at the end of each day
  • Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink and ensure the sink is clean and dry after each use.
  • Ensure the dishwasher door is closed and latched after each use.
  • Vacuum behind the stove and fridge regularly.

For parents or staff that are dealing with an infestation at home:

1. Sanitation & Food/Water Control

• Cleanliness is Key: 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, including under appliances;
  • wiping up food spills;
  • washing dishes regularly and keeping the sink clear of dirty dishes;
  • vacuuming behind appliances;
  • take out the trash daily (tight lidded bins) or in sever infestations, multiple times a day;
  • storing food in closed containers; 
  • Remove clutter on the floors and counters; and
  • remove exposed pet food and clean pet dishes after eating.  Store pet food in sealed airtight containers.
• Eliminate Water: Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and toilets immediately; use dehumidifiers in damp areas. Promptly address any leaks or water damage as cockroaches require water to survive.

2. Seal Entry Points & Hideouts

• Caulk & Seal: Use caulk to seal cracks, crevices, and gaps around pipes, baseboards, doors, windows and walls.
• Declutter: Get rid of cardboard boxes, storage on the floor/counters and paper piles where roaches hide.
• Screen Vents: Use fine mesh screens over vents and drains to block access. 

3. Traps & Baits (DIY & Commercial)

• Sticky Traps/glue boards: Can be purchased from pesticide control companies.  Place them in areas where cockroaches are commonly found, including under sinks, beside the refrigerator, or in closed cupboards, to monitor locations and determine numbers present.

4. Insecticides 

• 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 areas.
• Professional Advice: For severe infestations, hire a pest control company to apply industrial pesticides and non-repellent sprays, dusts, and baits for thorough control.   NOTE:  these items are not available to the public to use and can only be applied by a licensed pest control company as they are regulated under the pesticide control act/regulations.
• 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.

5. When to Call a Professional

• Infestations are hard to eliminate due to rapid reproduction.
• Professionals offer integrated pest management (IPM) plans, including multiple treatments and long-term monitoring. 

6. 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.

Resources & more information:

• Province of Manitoba | Cockroaches: Information for Manitobans