What are these Small Cockroaches in My Kitchen, and Should I Worry?

When you spot small cockroaches in your home, it may seem like no big deal.  But tiny roaches are indicative of more than just a tiny problem.  Usually, they’re a sign of a full-fledged roach infestation in the home, that needs to be treated as soon as possible to stop it from spreading and getting out of hand. 

Small roaches are almost always part of a colony – it’s incredibly rare to see them on their own in the absence of mature parents, that are simply better at staying hidden from human eyes. 

While there’s no need for panic, you do need to take action immediately to help deal with both the small and the large cockroaches that are likely hiding in your home. 

What Do Baby Cockroaches Look Like?

Small cockroaches are almost always baby or immature cockroaches.  They’re smaller than the adults, and a bit lighter in color.  While various species of cockroaches are slightly different in size, people tend to have a general sense of reference of what an “adult” cockroach looks like. 

Those that are significantly smaller in size are usually babies, or at least not full-fledged adults.  Baby cockroaches can be easily differentiated from adults as they do not have wings.

How Quickly do Small Cockroaches Grow?

The baby cockroaches go through several stages of growth and development.  Along the way, they molt, or shed their exoskeleton to expand their size. 

This happens about a half dozen times on their journey to adulthood.  Mature female cockroaches release pheromones to signal they are ready to mate and attract males.  The males and females will mate, and the females will then create an egg sac, which can produce several offspring (the exact amount varies by species and other factors). 

They can lay one or two egg sacs per week for the majority of their adult life.  Cockroaches live for between 8 and 18 months depending on species, meaning hundreds if not thousands of babies. 

What are the Health Risks of Small Cockroaches in Your Home?

As highlighted throughout our information, cockroaches of any size or species present the potential for serious health problems in your home.  They carry bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, both on and inside their body.  These can transmit to surfaces, or contaminate food via their waste and digestive secretions. 

The most common pathogens they transmit result in diarrhea and dysentery in humans, but they may also trigger typhoid, cholera, and other health problems. 

Asthma, allergies, and skin conditions are common responses as well, in those who have prolonged exposure to the waste products and molted remains of cockroaches. 

How can you Eliminate Small Roaches from the Home?

Like most household pests, the best thing to do to get rid of them is to exterminate them.  But simply killing the ones you see if not nearly enough.  That’s why most off-the-shelf products fail to fully eliminate cockroach infestations. 

You need to ensure you get rid of the roaches, their breeding areas, and their eggs.  And for that, you should hire a trained professional pest control expert. 

But, there are some things you can do on your own to reduce the risk of developing a cockroach infestation in the first place, and prevent a recurrence.  Some tips include:

• Be sure you periodically inspect and seal up any cracks, holes, or gaps in the exterior of your home.  Eliminating entry points for the roaches cuts down on the likelihood of an infestation developing.
• Don’t leave water out in your home.  Standing water attracts roaches – they need it to live.  Many species specifically will seek out and live near water sources in the home – things like leaky pipes, but also pet water bowls, dishwashers, sinks, toilets, and so on.  Address any leaks ASAP. 
• Be sure to clean up any food spills or beverage spills immediately, leaving no residue to attract pests.
• Fully secure and seal any food items in your pantry and fridge.  Leaving open food containers is an invitation to roaches to move on in.
• Don’t leave dirty dishes, plates, or food remnants out in the sink or on the counter.  Clean them promptly and put them away. 
• Be sure your trash is kept in a sealed container, and emptied frequently. 
• Clean in and around appliances frequently – anywhere food remains may accumulate.

Even after taking these steps, it’s still possible to develop a roach infestation.  As soon as you see cockroaches of any size or variety in your home, you should immediately contact your local Toronto-area pest control experts. 

We’ll help identify the species, and use the best methods to fully eliminate the problem, so you can go back to feeling safe, secure, and healthy in your home.