Central City Pest Control

Most Common Pests in Central City, AL 

The Birmingham Metro area is a great place to live and work. If pests have invaded your home or workplace, Terminix can help. From Trussville to Hoover, and from Crestwood to Cahaba Heights, we serve local neighborhoods in and around Birmingham. No matter where you live in the region, our team of pest control experts are there to help you eliminate an infestation.

Termites

The most common termite species in the Birmingham area is the eastern subterranean termite. Eastern subterranean termites live in colonies underground and tunnel up into buildings in search of cellulose, which is found in wood. Seeing their mud tubes, or passageways, is one sign of a termite problem. If you spot any signs of a termite infestation, contact your local Terminix branch right away.

Cockroaches

Two of the most common cockroach species in the Birmingham Metro area are the German cockroach and the Oriental cockroach. German cockroaches scrounge off of any crumbs left behind in homes and workplaces. They are often found in warm areas, near a source of moisture and inside cracks and crevices. They are also found in kitchens, which supply them with an ample source of food and water. On the flip side, Oriental cockroaches prefer warm, damp places in buildings, such as basements. These pests often enter your home through pipes and drains, but can also be brought in on something else, like a grocery bag or a cardboard box. 

Silverfish

Silverfish thrive in both warm, humid places and dusty, cluttered areas in your home. They can eat many things, including books (both paper and hardcover), cardboard, leather, clothing, food stores, and wallpaper. Silverfish are most common in the winter, but once they gain a foothold in your home, an infestation can be spotted any time of the year.

Ants

Common ant species in the region include the odorous house ant, the pavement ant, and the carpenter ant. House ants will make their way into your home in search of food, preferring carbohydrates, proteins or oils depending on the ant species. Once inside, they can contaminate food supplies. Pavement ants are typically found on the edges of sidewalks and concrete pads, though they will enter a home in search of food. Carpenter ants tunnel through wood or take up space in a ready made void inside your home to create their nests indoors, sometimes causing significant and expensive damage to structures.

Ticks

Ticks are another common nuisance to both humans and their animal companions. Ticks usually are outdoors in wooded or grassy areas. These pests burrow their mouthparts into your skin and feed on your blood. Worse yet, some ticks are known to carry disease-causing pathogens, potentially leading to such life-altering conditions as Lyme Disease.

Spiders

The Birmingham area is home to several spiders, including venomous spider species like the black widow and brown recluse. Black widows often live in dry, protected areas, such as under your deck. Conversely, brown recluse spiders prefer secluded areas and, if they make their way into your home, they can nest in your basement, general living spaces or garage. If you suspect these arachnids have infested your property, it's important to get the help of a professional to get rid of them. Other common spiders in the region include the wolf spider, jumping spider, and common house spider. These spiders can be an unwelcome presence in your home.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasp nests may be spotted before you notice any activity. Paper wasps scrape wood shavings off decks, picnic tables, wooden patio tables and chairs, and other wood around your property, turning it into a paste when mixed with their saliva. This mixture is used to construct their nest. Most paper wasp nests are light gray, but they can be different hues based on the color of wood they've harvested. Although paper wasps are not aggressive in nature, they can sting if provoked. When treating stinging insect nests, it's best to call a pest control professional who can safely remove the nest.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers, catching a ride on luggage before becoming an unwanted guest in your home. This pest can spread quickly from place to place, and is difficult to get rid of as it can survive for long periods of time between feedings. The common Bed bug prefers to feed on human blood and typically bite while you are asleep. They then emerge from hiding to feast, leaving behind itchy red bites.