Florence, AL – Pest Control Expert Gives Tips on How to Keep Cockroaches Away

Mosquitoes appreciate the cool temperatures inside your home. Cockroaches enjoy the cool living just as well. Although more active when temperatures reach 70 degrees or higher, they still rush inside to seek asylum from the heat the same way humans do.

Cockroaches disgust most people, and with rightful reason. They’re creepy to look at, use the bathroom wherever they stand, destroy food and belongings, and carry diseases they can transmit to humans and pets.

People hate them so much; our recent survey reported that 65% of homebuyers in the area said they’d walk away from a prospective home purchase if they discovered a cockroach infestation.
 

The Dangers of Cockroaches

Cockroaches carry at least 33 different types of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They also carry six parasitic worms and seven other human pathogens. The Asthma and Allergy Foundations says that cockroaches aggravate allergies and asthma, particularly in children. Plus, cockroaches can contaminate food as they crawl across surfaces of the home.

Cockroaches are found nearly everywhere in the U.S., including right here in Alabama. There are several species of cockroaches, but the American and German are two common types. An American cockroach can reach lengths up to 2.1 inches. They’re reddish or brown in color and have a yellow band behind their head.

Oppositely, the German cockroach measures about a half-inch long and is brown in color. They’re more common than American cockroaches, especially for apartment dwellers and inside multifamily housing units.

American cockroaches come inside searching for food or when it’s rainy or especially hot. They prefer warm, damp areas outdoors and can be found in tons of sewer systems across America. As nocturnal creatures, cockroaches prefer to lurk in dark areas. Outdoors, they feast on fungi and wood particles but enjoy a diet of pet food, spilled food, sugary residue, and crumbs indoors.

Cockroaches can survive for one month without food. They can even survive after decapitation -living for up to one week without their head. Getting rid of cockroaches is difficult, as any honest pest control company will admit. However, with the right experts and modern treatments, cockroaches never stand a chance at your home.
 

How to Keep Cockroaches Out of the Home

Ensure your family isn’t one of the 40% of Americans with a cockroach problem with the following tips in mind:

• Clean the House: A clean house is the best pest-proofing tactic anyone can use. Cockroaches are less likely to come inside if they cannot get food.
• Keep Food Put Away: Leaving food out overnight is a big no-no. Clean up spills immediately and clean dirty dishes each day. Don’t forget to wipe off tabletops, countertops, and appliances.
• Eating in Kitchen Only: So many people eat in the living room, bedroom, or in other rooms, which can make a pest infestation or risk thereof even worse. Limit eating to the kitchen only to reduce the risks.
• Sealed Containers: Plastic sealed containers keep pests out of your food and keep it fresher longer. The containers are affordable and long-lasting as well. Use them and toss cardboard to reduce infestations.
• Reduce Moisture Sources: Repair leaky pipes and faucets when noticed to prevent moisture from attracting roaches to your home.
• Clear the Clutter: Although cockroaches infest immaculate homes, they prefer them with a little bit of clutter. You will feel better when you declutter, but it will also reduce the risk of an infestation.
• Take Out the Trash: Keep a trash can inside to toss items after use. Take the trash out to a large can situated outside for proper disposal.

Taking steps to prevent pests from entering your home is the foundation of an effective pest control strategy. If you feel like you have exhausted all measures and are still facing the threat of cockroaches, or other pests, give us a call. The professionals at Southern Pride Pest Control are here to help.

Southern Pride Pest Control is a full-service pest control company headquartered in Muscle Shoals, AL. SPPC specializes in pest control and prevention services, including termite control, rodent control, bed bug control, ant control, and mosquito control, and can even help with moisture control around your residence or commercial property. Established in 2010, Southern Pride Pest Control is a reliable source of quality pest-management solutions delivered by a team you can trust. 

Call us today for any of your pest control needs.