Five Signs Your Huntsville Home May Have A Cockroach Problem
June 15, 2021
Are the stories true? Can they really live for a week without their head? Do they actually survive sub-zero temperatures? Are they going to be the only thing left after “the big one”? While some myths about cockroaches have grown over the years, others are true. They really can live for up to a week without a head and survive harsh, freezing temperatures. As far as “the big one,” let’s hope we never find out.
In terms of household pests, cockroaches may be one of the most hated. Even finding a dead roach on your kitchen floor can make you contemplate moving. Not only are they a disgusting and unsightly pest, but roaches can also be a serious health concern. Cockroaches can spread E.coli and salmonella, along with 33 other types of bacteria. They can also spread parasitic worms and other dangerous pathogens, as well as trigger allergy and asthma attacks. Allergic and asthmatic reactions to roaches may be even worse in young children or the elderly.
For their safety and their sanity, homeowners around the country want to keep their homes free of cockroaches. Be on the lookout for these five signs you may have roaches in your Huntsville, AL home.
Five Signs You Have A Cockroach Problem
Roaches are nocturnal pests, which means that they are usually found in dark corners and spaces of your home. This means it’s rare to see a live roach, even if you have an infestation. Because you will rarely see a living cockroach, you need to be on the lookout for these five signs that can help you catch a cockroach problem before it becomes a full-blown infestation:
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Droppings: Cockroach droppings can usually be seen in dark areas of your home where roaches frequent. These droppings have blunt edges with ridges on the sides and can easily be mistaken for mouse droppings.
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Odor: Cockroaches produce a pheromone that can result in a musty smell in your home. If you have a sensitive nose, this odor will be more noticeable to you.
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Egg Capsules: Cockroach egg capsules are dark-colored sacs that are about 1/3 of an inch in size. They are usually found glued to surfaces in basements, laundry rooms, and kitchens near food sources.
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Shed Skin: Before they reach maturity, a cockroach will molt between five and eight times, leaving shed skins behind. These shed skins are light brown, cockroach-shaped, and usually found in areas that cockroaches frequent.
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Smear Marks: Dark, irregularly-shaped smear marks on the walls or baseboards of your home can be a sign you have a roach problem. Roaches leave these marks along frequently traveled pathways, usually between their home and food source.
What Should You Do About A Cockroach Problem?
Cockroaches are one of the most resilient pests that you will deal with as a homeowner. Because of this, they can be extremely hard to get rid of on your own. If you spot one of the five signs of a cockroach problem, you should call the professionals at Custom Pest Control immediately. For over 25 years, Custom Pest Control has been helping homeowners in Huntsville and throughout Northern Alabama with their cockroach and other pest problems.
At Custom Pest Control, our home pest control process begins with an inspection of your home and any other buildings on your property. During this inspection we will identify areas of concern, diagram pest entry points, and locate any active infestations. We will follow with an initial treatment based on these findings. After our initial treatment, we will discuss future treatment options that fit both your pest control needs and your budget. We will work with you to build a pest control plan that works for you and keeps your home and family safe.