Rafiki Pest Control LTD
Cockroaches are arguably the filthiest and most disgusting insects that can invade your home! These nasty pests not only make a nuisance of themselves but they've also been linked to causing numerous problems in Nairobi homes!
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that cockroaches play a significant role as carriers of severe diseases like dysentery, diarrhea, cholera, leprosy, and typhoid fever. Prolonged exposure to cockroaches can also trigger moderate-to-severe allergies and asthma attacks, especially in young children.
Unfortunately, roaches are one of the most challenging pests to get rid of. These hardy pests have developed a resilience to the commonly used pesticides, making it almost impossible to eradicate them.
You should call a cockroach control professional in Nairobi as soon as you suspect a cockroach infestation. After a comprehensive and free inspection of your property, the experts will customize a pest control plan that will effectively get rid of the pests and prevent future infestations.
What Type Of Cockroaches Invade Homes
A common joke or comment goes that cockroaches can survive the apocalypse. Whether that is true or not, one thing is for sure: roaches are an ancient pest that existed over 300 million years ago! These resilient pests are well known for their unique ability to adapt and survive even the harshest conditions.
Out of the nearly 4500 different cockroach species known today, only about 30 have managed to make themselves a nuisance in our homes. Knowing which cockroach species has invaded your home is the first step towards successful extermination because different species have different habits and hiding spots.
Below are the three cockroach species likely to invade homes in Nairobi, Kenya.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are by far the most common species that invade homes and business buildings. They do not occur outdoors and especially thrive in the presence of humans, thanks to the readily available food, water, and shelter.
You will quickly identify German roaches by their light brown color, with two dark stripes running downwards in the area behind their heads. An adult measures about 1/2 inch in length, while nymphs are much smaller and darker, with a clear tan stripe running down the middle of their backs.
Though a common household invader, German cockroaches are hard to exterminate. They reproduce very rapidly, with a single female laying thousands of eggs in less than 12 months! You'll often find these nocturnal pests in your kitchen and bathroom, preferring to hide in moist places like cracks and crevices under sinks and toilet bowls, near trash cans, inside pantries, and beneath refrigerators.
German roaches will spread to the bedroom, cabinets, closets, and other areas when the infestation becomes full-blown. They are notorious for spreading to other rooms via pipes, walls, wires, and other openings.
American Cockroaches
While American cockroaches are not very common, they are the largest and have one of the most extended lifespans (up to two years). A full-grown adult can measure up to 1 1/2 inches in length. They are also known as 'sewer roaches' or 'palmetto bugs,'
American cockroaches are easily identifiable by their reddish or brown color and a light yellow band that runs around the edges of their bodies. While adults have fully developed wings, you will rarely see them fly. Nymphs have a similar appearance, but they are much smaller and have no wings.
Compared to German roaches, American cockroaches reproduce rather slowly. You'll often find them in the dark, moist places like basements, crawl spaces, laundry areas, floor drains, and sewers. They can also be found outdoors in trash containers, especially during warmer months.
Brownbanded Cockroaches
Brownbanded cockroaches are not a common nuisance like German cockroaches, but they are an occasional problem in homes and offices. Like German roaches, adult brown-banded cockroaches can reach up to about 1/2 inch in length. However, instead of the long dark stripe behind the head, they tend to be dark brown with a bell-shaped pattern behind the head and a light yellow band on their abdomen.
You can find brown-banded roaches anywhere in the house. But they prefer to congregate inside walls and electrical appliances like televisions and refrigerators. They do not like to live in moist, damp places; hence, they avoid kitchens and bathrooms. You can also find them in closets, cabinets, inside furniture, and behind picture frames.
What Attracts Cockroaches To My Home?
With no disrespect to the bed bug, there is no other insect in the world as irritating as cockroaches. Sure, bed bugs are opportunistic creatures, but cockroaches will find their way into even the most immaculate homes and come out when you have people over.
So, what attracts these creepy crawlies into your home?
- Food source: Roaches are omnivorous scavengers that feed on everything, including human flesh, in both the dead and the living. They particularly love sweets, meats, and starches. Cockroaches, like small food crumbs on the countertop and dirty dishes, will readily invite roaches into your home.
- Water Source: Cockroaches are in a constant search of water to survive. They will invade even the most sanitary home if it has leaky pipes and faucets.
- Shelter: Cockroaches are opportunistic pests. They can transform many areas in your house into their shelter. Depending on the invading species, cockroaches can live behind picture frames, beneath the sink, in electronics, and more.
- Landscaping: Cockroaches can be attracted to the moisture, warmth, and shelter provided by the plants, flowers, and birdbaths in your yard. Once they enter your yard, they'll quickly find their way to your house.
Professional Cockroach Control In Nairobi
Rafiki Pest Control is here to help you completely get rid of cockroaches! We thoroughly inspect your entire facility and design a quality cockroach control program tailored to meet the specific needs of your residential or commercial building in Nairobi. We will also modify the environment and limit cockroach attractants in your home to ensure they do not return.
