Well, it’s almost June. And you know what that means if you’ve lived in Florida. Heat! And a lot of it. And when there’s heat, there’s going to be bugs trying to escape it. Just in the last week or two alone, I’ve noticed an increase of bugs trying to make their way in. So today, to help fight back, let’s talk about some basic information regarding one of the most common pests you’ll find down here. And that pest? The humble cockroach, so let’s get into these Florida cockroach tips.
Florida Cockroaches: Overview
If you’ve lived in a tropical region of the world before, roaches aren’t new to you. Cockroaches may just be the eternal pest for anyone living near the equator. This state’s weather isn’t just good for tropical apes like us! Nope, most species of animals enjoy some sunshine and warm weather. But you know who loves it even more? Bugs! Let’s discuss some of the roaches you’ll find down here in sunny Florida.
The American Cockroach
Up first on our list before we tackle some Florida cockroach tip is the classic “palmetto bug.” American cockroaches are between two and three inches in length, making it one of the largest pests you’ll find in Florida. These are timid pests, however, and you’ll most often see them dashing for shelter after you’ve flicked the lights on.
A “fun” fact about this species of roach is its ability to fly! They are one of several species in Florida that can fly but are probably the strongest fliers of them all. In fact, leaving your windows open at night may be the easiest way to end up with one of these in your house. They live outdoors in dark, humid places like garden beds and woodpiles. So if you see one inside, it was likely an accidental entry. Like most roaches, their food of choice consists of decaying and rotting organic material.
Florida Woods Cockroach
Up next on our list is a bug that will certainly have you running for some Florida cockroach tips! This squat, beetle-like roach is known for a rather unique defense mechanism among roaches. Especially American ones. These bugs, you see, stink! They release a nasty stench when under stress.
These bugs are reddish brown in coloration and grow to roughly an inch and a half long. It’s wingless, stout, and not very quick. They also have yellowish stripes that run down the sides of their bodies.
These bugs love living in gardens and log piles as well, with rotting wood and plant fiber being their dishes of choice. They love to live in palm trees and in the eaves of rooves as well. You can find dozens of them in mulch bed colonies.
Thankfully, this pest isn’t very well adapted to surviving inside your home. They don’t pose the same threat as other, more infestations bugs, and likely won’t become a huge issue once removed.
German Cockroaches
Okay, now let’s get into the real meat of the matter. If you have a cockroach infestation, this is the likely culprit. These guys are less than an inch long, oval shaped, and light brown to tan. The easiest way to recognize them at a glance is the two stripes that run down its body from the back of his head.
The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach in the world. German cockroaches may no longer even be able to survive in the wild outside of human habitations, but it doesn’t really need to! Preferring warm, humid places close to food and shelter- you know that central Florida is perfect for these guys. You’ll find them frequently in residential and commercial kitchen environments and bathrooms. These two places are the most likely spots for an infestation to occur, as they both have food, water, and shelter in abundance.
Another good way to know you’re infested with these guys is the droppings they leave behind. Their droppings appear as small, dark, pepper like material left on countertops and in drawers. They can also stain your counters with their feces, which appear as dark spots and smears, usually along the tops of doors or cracks and openings into the wall. Even more than the other two, these guys are why you need Florida cockroach tips!
Florida Cockroach Tips: Keep Them Out!
Well, a lot of the time we cover pests here that cleanliness isn’t really an issue for. Things like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other parasites that are just as interested in you as anything else in the house. However, roaches are very much a “cleanliness bug”. These guys are career omnivores. They eat anything. Starches, sweets, greasy food, and meats are their favorites though. Spill anything like that on the counter or floor and make sure to get it into the trashcan quickly, otherwise, you’ll end up feeding a pregnant mother roach that becomes hundreds more!
Also, make sure not to leave dirty dishes, food, or standing water in the sink. The sink is one of the ultimate survival tools for a cockroach. Its drains hold moisture and food, and the cabinets have shelter. Keeping your sink and the underneath area clean are two of the most important things you’re able to do to keep their numbers down.
And after food and water, shelter is top on their list. Old, rotting picture frames, hollowed out wood, shabby furniture, and carpet that isn’t properly installed are all favorites of this best. Cardboard as well, which can double as a place to sleep and food itself. Leaving large, old boxes around the house is bad news. If you do want to keep broken down cardboard boxes for the possibility of moving or otherwise, make sure to inspect them for roaches often.
Florida Cockroach Tips: What to do if infested?
Now, this may be a bug whose numbers can be controlled by cleanliness, but it’s not one that can be wiped out by the same. Instead, give us a call at 1-800-634-1313 or contact us online. Leave this to the pros, as improper use of poison and chemical control is not only dangerous, but these rapidly reproducing pests can easily become resistant in a few short generations after exposure.
