If you’ve seen one cockroach in your Madison, Alabama home, you probably got dozens more of these pesky insects hanging around. Cockroaches have six legs and flattened, oval-shaped bodies. Most cockroaches are reddish-brown with small heads and long antennae. They range in size from ¾ inch to 3 inches long. Cockroaches tend to be poor fliers but they are fast runners. If you see them in your home, you better catch them while you can.
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 black streaks on their backs. The females carry eggs with them.
Like their name, brown-banded cockroaches have brown streaks that run along their backs. Males of this species can fly. You might find brown-banded cockroaches hiding in your appliances and furniture.
Cockroaches and ants don’t typically carry diseases but they can make you sick if you have a huge infestation. If you see them in your home, seek professional help and effective pest control immediately before your problem with these unwanted pests worsens.
When you want cockroach control done right, Magic City Pest Control is ready to protect your Madison home or business with residential pest control and commercial pest control. Contact our pest control technicians today to learn more about our services or get a quote for cockroaches, rodents or other pest infestations.
Where to Find Cockroaches
Cockroaches are common in places with food and water. They can be found in homes as well as places of businesses, such as restaurants. You may find roaches in the following places:
- Inside furniture
- Under sinks
- Near food sources
- Under appliances
- Near water pipes and floor drains
- Inside cardboard boxes
Cockroaches make a hissing or chirping noise, so if you hear something moving around inside your cabinets, you may find cockroaches living in there.
Signs of Cockroaches in Madison, AL
Identifying signs of cockroach activity early is important to address an infestation promptly. Here are common indicators of cockroaches:
- Live or dead cockroaches. This is the most obvious sign of a cockroach infestation. Seeing a cockroach during the day can indicate a severe infestation since they’re nocturnal and hide during daylight hours.
- Droppings. You may notice small, black, pepper-like specks, resembling coffee grounds or ground black pepper. Larger cockroaches leave cylindrical droppings.
- Smear marks. In areas with water sources, cockroaches may leave irregular smears on walls or surfaces.
- Egg cases. You may find brown, oblong capsules found in hidden spots like cracks, behind furniture, or under appliances. Each capsule can contain multiple eggs.
- Shed skins. Cockroaches shed their exoskeletons multiple times as they grow. Look for translucent shells in corners or dark spaces.
- Damage to materials. Look for chewed packaging, books, or other organic materials.
- Nocturnal activity. Increased movement at night, particularly in the kitchen or bathroom, is a clear sign. Use a flashlight to inspect dark corners.
Dangers of Cockroaches
Cockroaches pose several health and safety risks. Here are some of the key dangers associated with cockroach infestations:
- Allergies and asthma. Cockroach droppings, saliva, and shed body parts contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These allergens can exacerbate asthma, especially in children.
- Disease transmission. Cockroaches are known to carry and spread pathogens from decomposing matter, sewage, or other contaminated areas and transfer them to food, surfaces, and utensils. They can potentially cause diseases such as:
- Salmonella: Leading to food poisoning
- E. coli: Resulting in gastrointestinal infections
- Dysentery: Severe diarrhea with blood or mucus
- Listeria: A bacteria that causes severe foodborne illness
- Food contamination. Cockroaches contaminate food by walking across it and depositing feces, urine, and saliva. This can lead to stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Bad odor. A significant infestation produces a distinct musty smell due to their secretions. This odor can permeate food and household items.
- Bites. Although rare, some cockroach species may bite humans, especially in severe infestations. Bites can result in irritation and secondary infections.
- Damage to items. Cockroaches feed on a variety of materials, including paper, fabric, and glue. This can result in damage to books, clothing, and other household items.
How Magic City Pest Control Can Help Madison, AL Residents
When spiders and cockroaches invade your home, don’t try to handle them on your own. Don’t be afraid to get help. Professional pest control is often the most effective solution for severe infestations.
Our Madison exterminators can do the following to keep your home pest-free:
- Inspect your home for signs of cockroach infestation.
- Treat your home with the pest control method that’s right for you.
- Seal gaps and cracks to prevent future cockroach infestations.
- Install pest monitors in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places where roaches love to hide.
- Provide a detailed report of services performed, plus 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 several ways. One option is an insecticide that’s specifically formulated to kill cockroaches. We often combine this treatment with an insect growth regulator to stop the roach’s ability to grow and breed.
We can also set feed traps in the places fire ants and cockroaches are most likely to live and breed for these pest issues. Cockroaches collect the treated food and carry it back to the nest, which is the main source of an infestation. This method is environmentally friendly and safe to use around young children, pets, and people who are sensitive to chemicals to get rid of the pest populations of destructive pests.
Contact Us Today About Our Cockroach and Pest Control Services in Madison, AL
If you’ve noticed a cockroach in your home, you need to act quickly. Just a few cockroaches can quickly turn into a full-scale infestation that’s nearly impossible to get rid of without professional help.
The team at Magic City Pest Control knows exactly what to do with our years of combined pest control experience. Our exterminators know how to get rid of your cockroach problem safely and effectively. When you need cockroach control for your Madison home or business, you can count on us. To get rid of your pest problems, you need to take the first step. Let us take a look at your problem and provide effective solutions. Contact us online or give us a call at (205) 880-4466 to schedule an inspection today for effective Madison, AL pest control and cockroach control.