• <div><p>While water bugs are considered generally harmless to humans, they can bite humans if threatened. Cockroaches are often incorrectly mistaken for water bugs. In this case, cockroaches can bite but are unlikely to bite humans. </p><p>Water bug bites can be very painful and cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and allergic reaction. Bites will usually heal on their own. However, if you experience severe symptoms or an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately. </p></div>

What are the best ways to prevent a bird from returning to the nest site?

• <div><p>Both spikes and loose nets can be installed over nest sites to prevent the bird from returning, but nets are not a humane option since birds and other wildlife can get tangled in them. </p><p>Spikes are a humane alternative that deter nesting without harming the birds. In small areas, like vents, a very fine mesh net can be installed to prevent the bird from returning. These nets don't generally pose a risk to the birds.</p></div>

Best pest control specialists near Altona, IL

Q: How long does a common house roach live?

• <div><p>Common house roaches, typically American cockroaches or <i>Periplaneta americana</i>, usually live for around one year. The male American cockroaches survive for about one year, although the females may live up to 700 days. That&rsquo;s because the reproductive cycle alone can last around 600 days for this type of cockroach.</p></div>

Q: Are snake repellents safe to use?

• <div><p>Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/naphthalene.pdf">United States Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts. </p><p>The <a href="https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/natural-resources/coping-with-snakes-6-501/">Colorado State University Extension</a> suggests there&rsquo;s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.</p></div>

Q: Do cockroaches come out more after you spray?

• <div><p>Yes, it&rsquo;s actually common to see more cockroaches after you spray. It might seem like things are getting worse, but that&rsquo;s usually a sign the treatment is working. Roach sprays and baits can flush them out of their hiding spots as they try to escape the chemicals. You might notice them acting strangely&mdash;slower, twitching, or out during the day when they&rsquo;re usually hiding.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Pest Control pros in Altona, IL

*The Angi rating for Pest Control companies in Altona, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Pest Control companies in Altona, IL is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Pest Control needs.

Last update on November 06, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
My pro, Bob, did an excellent job at installing my over the range microwave. He also removed and hauled away my old one. Bob was punctual, efficient, and talked me through the process of the exact work he would be performing. He was friendly and also cleaned up nicely when the job was complete....
Redemption Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
The project went very well. The finished porch is perfect for what I needed. I have a few more projects in mind that Williams will be my first call..he did great work and very courteous. Over all I am extremely happy.
Williams Construction
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Reviewed in June 2024
She did a great job getting into the small cracks. My apartment was dust free after she left and she even made my bed. She cleaned the toilet and shower also got the soap residue off my glass shower doors. I would 100% recommend her to clean for you and I will definitely be using her services...
A&B Cleaning
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Reviewed in March 2024
If you are considering epoxy for your floors anywhere in your home, contact Central Illinois Epoxy! Their choices of color and texture are quite different and more than standard fleck Iâ ve been offered elsewhere. I chose deep, tonal colors for interior floors of a breezeway and garage...
Central Illinois Epoxy, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2023
This group did amazing work in a very efficient and timely manner. Cleaned up after themselves as they went along. Very easy to work with.
AJ Concrete
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Reviewed in March 2023
Sam did great removing my huge tree that was right next to my neighbors brand new fence. I saw my neighbor watching a few times, I could tell he was nervous, but was very happy at the end as his fence was not harmed at all.
Family Branch Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
My husband and I hired Alley initially to clean our 4K sqft residence. She does such a fantastic job monthly for us we have also hired her to clean out our rental properties to get ready for new tenants. Iâ d wouldnâ t look any further if youâ re looking for an experienced and reliable...
Stone Cleaning
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Reviewed in January 2022
They clean up themselves They did the job beyond expected as if theres no tree there before
Empire Yard Maintenance
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Reviewed in March 2019
Have seen no pests since we started the service. Pretty amazing for South Florida!
Hometown Pest Control Inc
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Reviewed in May 2017
Dave was very friendly and professional. He did a great job. Even though he came 4 hours later than scheduled I cant complain about the great job he did. I would definitely recommend them for your pest control services.
EcoFloridian Lawn & Pest Control
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Top-Rated Pest control specialists in Altona - Updated Nov 2026

Terminix® Pest Control

3.9(

1,074

)

Pest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - RodentsPest Control - Termite+6 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very knowledgeable guy who seem to know what he’s doing. Don’t know results of spraying. Have had much rain since. Will have to see if it worked. Terminex will spray again the beginning of next month."

58 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Presto-X (St. Louis)

New to Angi

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Birds and Bats+4 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1932

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Since 1932, Presto-X has been providing expert pest control services guided by the enduring principles of providing world class service to our customers and taking care of our colleagues. Presto-X covers your home or business with expert knowledge, professionally licensed and trained technicians, and exemplary service designed specifically for you.

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Rodents+1 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"A little pricey. Very friendly. Too soon to tell if pest control is effective."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Pest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and InsectsPest Control - Termite

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1927

"Even though my scheduled technician called in with pneumonia, Darren the area manager came out that afternoon and performed the termite extermination. He was very nice and professional. I have other properties and am setting up an inspection for them with Terminix."

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Mosquito ControlPest Control - Bed BugsPest Control - Bugs and Insects+3 more

Serving Altona, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"United Air Temp was able to procure a replacement furnace controller board in a couple of days and Zachary was out within 4 days of the initial visit. The furnace now works very well."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Pest Control FAQs, answered by experts

While water bugs are considered generally harmless to humans, they can bite humans if threatened. Cockroaches are often incorrectly mistaken for water bugs. In this case, cockroaches can bite but are unlikely to bite humans.

Water bug bites can be very painful and cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and allergic reaction. Bites will usually heal on their own. However, if you experience severe symptoms or an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

Common house roaches, typically American cockroaches or Periplaneta americana, usually live for around one year. The male American cockroaches survive for about one year, although the females may live up to 700 days. That’s because the reproductive cycle alone can last around 600 days for this type of cockroach.

Some snake repellents are risky to use around people and pets because they use the active ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified naphthalene as a carcinogen that can cause damage to the liver, neurological issues, and cataracts.

The Colorado State University Extension suggests there’s not enough conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of snake repellents to recommend their use.

Both spikes and loose nets can be installed over nest sites to prevent the bird from returning, but nets are not a humane option since birds and other wildlife can get tangled in them.

Spikes are a humane alternative that deter nesting without harming the birds. In small areas, like vents, a very fine mesh net can be installed to prevent the bird from returning. These nets don't generally pose a risk to the birds.

Yes, it’s actually common to see more cockroaches after you spray. It might seem like things are getting worse, but that’s usually a sign the treatment is working. Roach sprays and baits can flush them out of their hiding spots as they try to escape the chemicals. You might notice them acting strangely—slower, twitching, or out during the day when they’re usually hiding.

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