Wood cockroaches Habitat, Diet, LifecycleWood cockroaches are native to North America and are commonly found in moist woodland areas, such as forests, parks, and gardens. They prefer to live in decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter, mulch, woodpiles, logs, and tree bark. They require high humidity and moisture to survive and avoid direct sunlight.
They feed on a variety of organic materials, such as dead plants, fungi, algae, lichens, and insects. They are scavengers and decomposers that help recycle nutrients in the ecosystem. They are also preyed upon by many animals, such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, rodents, spiders, and other insects.
They have a complex life cycle that includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The female wood cockroach produces an egg case called an ootheca that contains 50 to 100 eggs. She carries the ootheca at the end of her abdomen until she finds a suitable place to deposit it under loose bark or in a crevice. The eggs hatch within a month, depending on the temperature and humidity.
The nymphs are immature stages that look like smaller versions of the adults but lack wings. They undergo several molts before reaching adulthood. The number of molts and the time it takes to complete them vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Some species can take up to two years to become adults.
The adult wood cockroach is the reproductive stage that can mate and produce offspring. The mating season usually occurs in late spring or early summer (May to June). The male wood cockroach is attracted to light and flies towards it in search of a female. The female wood cockroach emits a pheromone that attracts the male. The male then mounts the female and transfers a sperm packet called a spermatophore to her genital chamber. The female stores the spermatophore until she is ready to produce an ootheca.
The lifespan of a wood cockroach depends on the species and environmental factors, but it is generally short compared to other types of cockroaches. Most wood cockroaches live for only a few months as adults.
Why do I have wood cockroaches ?Wood cockroaches are not usually pests that infest homes or buildings. They are outdoor insects that prefer natural habitats. However, they can sometimes enter homes or buildings by accident or by hitchhiking on firewood or other items brought indoors.
Some of the reasons why you may have wood cockroaches in your home or building are:
You live near a wooded area or have a lot of vegetation around your property.
You store firewood near your home or bring it inside without inspecting it for insects.
You have cracks or gaps in your doors, windows, walls, or foundation that allow insects to enter.
You have moist or damp areas in your home or building that provide suitable conditions for insects.
You have outdoor lights that attract flying insects at night.
How worried should I be about wood cockroaches ?They are not considered a serious threat to human health or property. They do not carry diseases or damage structures like some other types of cockroaches. They also do not breed indoors or establish large populations like some other types of cockroaches.
However, wood cockroaches can still be a nuisance and an annoyance if they enter your home or building. They can create an unpleasant sight and smell with their droppings and shed skins. They can also trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in some people who are sensitive to their allergens. They can also contaminate food or surfaces with their saliva, feces, or body parts.
Therefore, it is advisable to prevent and control wood cockroaches if you find them in your home or building. You can use some of the methods described below to get rid of them and keep them away.
How can I prevent wood cockroaches from invading ?The best way to prevent wood cockroaches from invading your home or building is to make it less attractive and accessible to them. You can do this by following some of these tips:
Remove or reduce sources of food, water, and shelter for insects around your property. This includes cleaning up leaf litter, mulch, woodpiles, logs, and other organic debris. Also, fix any leaks or moisture problems in your home or building.
Store firewood away from your home or building and inspect it for insects before bringing it inside. You can also cover it with a tarp or plastic sheet to keep it dry and prevent insects from hiding in it.
Seal any cracks or gaps in your doors, windows, walls, or foundation that can allow insects to enter. You can use caulk, weather stripping, mesh screens, or other materials to seal them.
Turn off or reduce outdoor lights at night that can attract flying insects. You can also use yellow bulbs or motion sensors to minimize the light attraction.
When to call an wood cockroach exterminator ?The best is to call us as soon as possible. We service the Greater Toronto Area, call us now 647 849 4441
Call us today to speak with our experienced wood cockroach exterminator
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