Winnipeg’s roach problem only getting worse, says pest control company

WINNIPEG (CityNews) — Winnipeg is seeing a sharp increase in cockroach-related extermination calls and the end isn’t in sight, according to a pest control company.

Clint Rosevear, the area manager for Orkin Canada, estimates the demand for cockroach extermination in Winnipeg has more than tripled since last year.

“Definitely it has been picking up steam over the last couple of years,” said Rosevear. “Worse than ever before? If you’re talking about the early ‘90s, not there yet. Are we on that path? Yes. It’s been on a sharp incline with no evidence of any plateau.

“We’ve definitely seen that uptick in roach work.”

Rosevear says Orkin Canada is receiving roughly 400 to 500 calls per month coming from Winnipeggers alone. He estimates it was closer to 150 a month this time last year.

“That incline isn’t going to slow itself down,” he said.

“We tell people, ‘okay you have a cockroach.’ And they say, ‘those are in Winnipeg? Really? Are you kidding?’ Oh no, we’re not kidding. Yes they’re in Winnipeg.”

Orkin Canada estimates it is receiving roughly 400 to 500 calls per month about cockroaches coming from Winnipeggers alone. (Credit: ORKIN)

Roaches are speedy, highly adaptive, highly resilient critters. They have complex sensors, a reinforced shield and a wing structure that covers their body and provides protection.

They enjoy a high-protein diet, such as grease.

They also love cluttered spaces and areas with high levels of moisture.

“They get into all the areas that people aren’t looking, typically,” said Rosevear. “When’s the last time you went and looked right up underneath your sink, in that cavity around the sink in your kitchen? Most people would say, ‘what are you talking about.’

“When’s the last time you pulled out your fridge and looked at the motor compartment inside your fridge?”

Rosevear says once cockroaches find an environment they can thrive in, they begin reproducing extremely rapidly.

Within six months, there could be 1,000 roaches in your home. Within a year, that number could jump to 10,000.

Rosevear suspects other cities in North America — not just Winnipeg — are dealing with a similar uptick in infestations.