Cockroaches are a common problem in Alabama, but that doesn’t mean it makes it any easier to deal with them. Cockroaches are looking for warmth, shelter, and a solid food supply; unfortunately, your home provides that. Cockroaches do more than just gross you out; they also pose a hazard to your health. Beyond contaminating your home with pathogens, living with them can cause severe allergies and be quite dangerous for those with asthma.
Thankfully, we wrote about all of that in this article. We also touch upon how you might be attracting roaches into your home without even knowing it. Finally, we tell you which Alabama pest control professionals to call to get rid of cockroaches for good.
Common Types Of Home-Invading Cockroaches In Alabama
There are several types of cockroaches around the U.S. Alabama is home to some common cockroaches, including:
- The American Cockroach - This cockroach inhabits environments all over the U.S. It’s usually between 1 ¼ and 2 ⅛ inches long, reddish-brown, and has a signature figure-eight pattern on the back of its head.
- The German Cockroach - Also a common cockroach in the country, the German cockroach is a bit smaller than the American. It ranges in size between ½ and ⅝ of an inch. It’s also normally light brown to tan and has two dark stripes on its back.
- The Brown-Banded Cockroach - This cockroach is easy to remember because it has a look that is indicative of its name. It’s brown in color with two light brown bands. It’s also about a ½” in size.
- The Smokybrown Cockroach - This cockroach is dark brown to black and found in Alabama and other southeastern states. The wings on this cockroach are longer than its body, and they are strong fliers. They also seek areas with high humidity.
Looking out for these specific characteristics and other signs of a cockroach infestation will help you identify if they are living in your home, as opposed to bugs similar to cockroaches.
Cockroaches In Your Home Is A Hazard To Your Health
It’s obvious that cockroaches are not the cleanest creatures, as they often rummage in your trash or eat off your dirty dishes. Unfortunately, this can be a real hazard to your health. Cockroaches often carry diseases like cholera and E. coli and can spread bacteria through their urine, saliva, and cockroach droppings.
Cockroach secretions also cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and a runny nose and can likely trigger asthma attacks. Hiring a roach pest control service is important if you suspect a roach problem.
Generally, you can surmise why cockroaches may be in your home if it isn’t clean. These insects will do all they can to get to a food source, so if you often leave dishes in the sink, food on the counters, and spills unattended, they will find their way to it. If you want to prevent cockroaches from entering your home, it’s imperative that you store food in proper storage with secure lids, clean up any messes or spills immediately, and do your dishes often.
Another factor that attracts cockroaches is if you have clear openings for them to find their way through. As mentioned, cockroaches are attracted to warmth, especially in the winter. If you have cracks and crevices in the outside walls of your home that allow them to come in, they’re going to take the opportunity.
The Pros To Call To Get Rid Of Cockroaches For Good
While understanding what factors attract cockroaches to your home is good for preventing any future infestations from breaking out, it won’t do much for getting rid of a current infestation. Even if you’ve only found one cockroach in your apartment, you must act fast before they keep multiplying. The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to hire a professional. At Havard Pest Control, we take our job seriously in restoring your home to a pest-free state. If you’re facing a cockroach infestation, don’t hesitate to call us today.