The warm and humid climate makes Alabama the perfect destination for cockroaches. Unfortunately, once these unsanitary insects invade your home, it can seem almost impossible to get rid of them. At EnSec, we have been providing customized pest control in Mobile for more than two decades and know exactly what it takes to get rid of cockroaches quickly.
Types Of Cockroaches Found In Mobile
There are over 30 types of cockroaches that are found in Alabama. However, in Mobile, you are most likely to only see four different cockroach species in your home, which include:
- American cockroach: This type of cockroach has a brownish-red body and can grow to reach up to 2 1/8 inches long. American cockroaches are commonly found living outdoors and thrive in temperatures that are between 70 and 80 degrees. They are attracted to water, and when they are found in homes, they are usually found in sinks and drains.
- German cockroach: The German cockroach is the most common type of cockroach found in Mobile homes and businesses. This cockroach has a distinctive appearance that features a light-brown body with two dark lines that run parallel down its back. The German cockroach is smaller than the other roaches on this list and can only grow to be around 5/8 of an inch long.
- Oriental cockroach: The oriental cockroach is actually thought to originate in Africa. This type of cockroach usually has a shiny reddish-black body and can grow to be around one inch long. The oriental cockroach loves to hang out around water so much that they are commonly referred to as "water beetles." They have been known to enter some homes through sewer pipes and drains.
Cockroaches lay egg sacs called oothecae, which can hold up to 30 eggs at one time. If a mated female comes into your home, it could be a matter of weeks before you have a full-blown cockroach infestation.
How Are Cockroaches Dangerous?
It is extremely rare for a cockroach to bite a person. If they do bite, their jaws are not strong enough to penetrate a person's skin, so you probably won't be aware of it. Even though these insects are not aggressive, they can still be considered dangerous.
Cockroaches are known to spread many deadly diseases and viruses including salmonellosis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, leprosy, and cholera. They spread these diseases by leaving their droppings around your food and food preparation surfaces. You can also catch these illnesses by coming into contact with their saliva. Cockroach droppings can not only spread diseases, but they can also cause severe allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some people.
Five Tips To Keep Cockroaches Away From Your Home
If a cockroach comes into your house, it is seeking food, shelter, and water. In order to ensure that you are not attracting them to your home, you need to make these three necessities inaccessible. Here are five tips to help keep cockroaches away:
- Fix leaky pipes as soon as possible and don't leave standing water in or around your sinks.
- Thoroughly clean your kitchen to ensure that there are no food remnants left behind. You will also need to clean out your kitchen appliances, including the toaster and microwave.
- Look for any cracks or gaps around the exterior of your home. If you see any, use caulking or another heavy-duty material to seal them up.
- Repair or replace any broken door or window screens.
- Keep a lid on your outdoor trash can and don't set the trash can too close to your home.
It is much easier to prevent a cockroach infestation than it is to treat one. By following these tips, cockroaches will be less likely to come into your home.
The Call To Make For Total Cockroach Control For Your Home
If cockroaches are able to find their way into your Mobile home, you will need the help of a knowledgeable pest control specialist. At EnSec, we have a team of specially trained professionals who know how to eliminate all cockroaches from your home and keep them from coming back. If you are looking for total cockroach control, give us a call today.