Why Can't I Get These Cockroaches Out Of My Huntsville Home?

September 15, 2020

Finding cockroaches in your Huntsville home is always an unpleasant moment, but cockroaches are more than just disgusting. While many people know of their reputation for being hardy and invasive, not all homeowners know just how dangerous and unsanitary they actually are.

a cockroach on a flat surface

Cockroaches can quickly become a problem as they easily spread through your home, but the real issue with cockroaches is that they can carry around 30 different diseases, and many of these diseases are harmful to humans. They can transmit E. coli, gastroenteritis, salmonella, and many more.

There are many cockroaches species found throughout the United States, but there are only five that are common in the Huntsville area. We’ve put together a guide to common area cockroaches:

  • American cockroaches: They are the largest species found around Alabama and can get up to three inches long. They have a shiny, greasy appearance and are a reddish-brown color.
  • German cockroaches: This species is smaller than the American cockroaches, and can be anywhere from tan to dark brown. They have two black stripes running parallel behind their heads.
  • Oriental cockroaches: This small species of cockroach is a jet black shiny color which is why they are often known as black beetles. 
  • Brown-banded cockroaches: These cockroaches are a tan or light brown color, but they are best identified by the transverse brown bands on their wings.
  • Smoky brown cockroaches: You can tell these cockroaches apart because they are always a solid color but this color can range from dark brown to black.

What Attracts Cockroaches To A Home?

Cockroaches can be difficult pests to prevent because they sometimes become prevalent in an area and are so sturdy. They are also adept at hiding in many hard-to-reach places like plumbing and cracks in walls. However, there are some main reasons why cockroaches are attracted to a home in the first place. Cockroaches need just a few simple things to thrive, including access to food, a warm environment, and moisture. So homes with excess moisture issues, food that is left out in kitchens, and easy access points are perfect for them. Once inside, cockroaches are extremely difficult to remove. There are three main reasons for this:

  1. They can reproduce quickly, allowing the infestation to grow and spread out of control.
  2. They are good at hiding in small crevices that you might not even notice.
  3. They are resistant to certain insecticides.

Cockroaches are hard to kill because of reasons related to their biology. Mainly, that young cockroaches can actually regrow their own limbs and that cockroaches can live up to nine days without their heads.

Some Ways To Prevent Cockroaches

While cockroaches are hard pests to prevent, there are still some things you can do to deter them. By addressing issues in your home that attract them, you can make your house a less hospitable environment. Here are some simple cockroach deterrents:

  • Keeping your home clean
  • Regularly cleaning up food and drink spills
  • Storing food in sealed containers
  • Emptying the trash often
  • Reducing moisture by fixing leaky pipes and faucets
  • Keeping your home well ventilated

The Only Reliable Way To Get Rid Of Cockroaches

Once cockroaches get inside your Huntsville home, the only truly effective and safe way to get rid of them is by partnering with the professionals at Custom Pest Control. With over 25 years of experience, we provide trustworthy, high-quality, and customizable cockroach removal options. There are no contracts required, and we even offer free inspections. Contact us today to get started.

Tags: cockroaches | cockroach prevention | cockroach control |

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