Nobody wants to encounter cockroaches in their home or business. And if you’ve seen one cockroach, you likely have dozens or even hundreds lurking around.
In Alabama, the two most common types of cockroaches are the German cockroach and the brown-banded cockroach. German cockroaches are tan or pale brown and have two parallel black streaks on their backs. The females carry eggs with them instead of laying them around your home, which can lead to cockroach problems. True to their name, you can recognize brown-banded cockroaches by the brown or yellowish streaks that run along their backs. You might find brown-banded cockroaches hiding in your appliances and furniture.
If you have noticed cockroaches in your home or business, Magic City Pest Control is here to help to provide residential and commercial pest control services against cockroaches. Our exterminators from our pest control company know how to get rid of your cockroach problem safely and effectively and will give a detailed inspection to provide you the best treatment options. Our pest services provide rapid cockroach elimination solutions to make your living space clean and pest-free. If you notice these pests in your Hoover home, give us a call for quick treatment to take care of the insect infestations. Get a quote today to learn more about our services and prices regarding cockroach control in Hoover, AL.
Dangers of a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches are more than just inconvenient. They can affect your health and safety in several main ways:
- Disease transmission. Cockroaches can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause diseases, as they travel through contaminated environments such as garbage and sewers. These contaminants can spread to food, kitchen surfaces, and utensils. Diseases linked to cockroaches include salmonella, E. coli infections. Dysentery, and typhoid fever.
- Allergies and asthma. Cockroaches shed their skin, leave droppings, and produce saliva, all of which can trigger allergic reactions. Over time, these allergens accumulate and may worsen respiratory conditions. Cockroach allergens are known to worsen asthma symptoms for those who have the disease.
- Contamination of food and surfaces. Cockroaches walk across dirty areas and then spread pathogens by crawling over food, dishes, and countertops. Their droppings or body parts can contaminate food and drinks, posing a serious health hazard.
- Bites. While rare, it is possible that cockroaches can bite humans. These bites usually occur in cases of extreme infestation and tend to target areas like eyelashes, fingernails, and hands. While not dangerous, they can cause skin irritation.
- Structural damage to property. Cockroaches can also cause damage to personal items. These pests chew on paper, cardboard, electrical wires, and even leather goods, potentially damaging important items and causing electrical malfunctions.
- Psychological distress. A cockroach infestation can cause stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Some people develop cockroach phobia, leading to extreme fear or disgust of these pests.
Signs of Cockroaches in Hoover, AL
Do you have cockroaches in your home? Here are some signs of pest activity that you should look for in the Hoover area:
- Sightings. The most obvious sign of a cockroach infestation is the presence of live or dead roaches. You may spot a live cockroach in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement, especially at night. Dead roaches may be found in corners, near baseboards, or under appliances.
- Droppings. Cockroach droppings look like small, black or brown specks, similar to ground pepper or coffee grounds. Larger species, such as the American cockroach, leave cylindrical droppings with ridges.
- Egg casings. These are brownish, oval-shaped egg cases left in hidden areas. Some species carry the egg case until the eggs hatch, while others leave them in secluded spots.
- Unpleasant odors. A musty, oily smell can develop in areas with a heavy cockroach infestation. The odor comes from pheromones and decaying bodies.
- Shed skins. Cockroaches shed their skin multiple times as they grow. You might find these translucent skins around food storage areas or dark crevices.
- Smear marks. In areas with moisture, cockroaches leave dark, irregular smudges or streaks. Common places include walls, floors, and corners.
- Nibbled packaging and food. Cockroaches gnaw on paper, cardboard, and food containers. They often leave behind small holes or ragged edges on packages.
- Unusual noises. Cockroaches are nocturnal and may produce faint scratching or rustling sounds in walls, cabinets, or appliances, especially at night.
- Nesting signs. Cockroaches often hide in dark, damp places such as behind appliances, under sinks, or inside wall cavities. Look for clusters of droppings or egg cases in these areas.
How Our Cockroach Exterminator Can Help
A cockroach infestation requires quick action. When you call Magic City Pest Control for cockroach control service in Hoover, we will provide the following customized solutions:
- Thoroughly inspect your home for signs of cockroach infestation.
- Treat your home with the best pest control method to fit your needs.
- Seal gaps and cracks to prevent cockroach infestations in the future.
- Install pest monitors in places where roaches love to hide, such as in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Provide a detailed report of services performed.
- Offer recommendations to keep your home free of future roach infestations.
- Follow up if your home needs further treatment.
We can treat your home for cockroaches in one of several ways. One option is an insecticide that’s specifically formulated to kill cockroaches. When combined with an insect growth regulator, it will stop the cockroach’s ability to grow and breed.
Our team can also set feed traps in the places cockroaches are most likely to live and breed, such as inside furniture, under sinks, under appliances, inside cardboard boxes, and near food sources. Cockroaches collect the treated food and carry it back to the nest, which is the main source of your infestation. This method is environmentally friendly and safe to use around children, pets, and those who are sensitive to chemicals.
Contact Our Cockroach Exterminator for Pest Control Services in Hoover, AL Today
Cockroaches are much more than just a nuisance. These pests can contaminate your food, litter your home with droppings, and even make you and your family seriously ill. A couple cockroaches can easily turn into a major infestation if you don’t act quickly.
You likely won’t be about to handle such an infestation on your own. Get the help you need from the team at Magic City Pest Control. We’ll keep you, your family, and your pets free of bites from fleas and ticks. Contact us online or call (205) 880-4466 to learn more about our cockroach control services.