Why Cockroaches Thrive in Florida
Cockroaches thrive in Florida. These pests love hot, humid environments, which describes Florida to a T. They are especially active in the summer, but roaches can appear in your home anytime.
The three most common cockroach species in Florida are:
American Cockroaches
American roaches are large cockroaches that can be over two inches long. Also known as palmetto bugs and water bugs, they are reddish-brown with a yellow figure eight pattern on their backs.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are small, growing up to half an inch long. They have tannish-brown bodies with two darker brown, parallel lines down their backs.
Oriental Cockroaches
Oriental roaches are about an inch long. They have shiny, black bodies and, like American cockroaches, are sometimes known as water bugs.
Top Signs You May Have Cockroaches
Sightings
If you see cockroaches in your house, you can be sure you have an infestation. This is especially true for sightings that occur during the day. Cockroaches are nocturnal, so if they are moving around in the open during daylight hours, it’s likely that an infestation is so large that it’s pushing the roaches out of their nesting areas.
If you haven’t seen cockroaches, but think you might have an infestation, check in common roach hiding spots, like under sinks, behind appliances, and inside cabinets.
Cockroach Droppings
Seeing cockroach droppings is a sure sign of an infestation. Droppings are more abundant in areas where cockroaches hide, but they can also appear in any place where roaches travel.
The droppings of German and oriental cockroaches look like coffee grounds or pepper flakes. They are small, dark, and can appear smeared. American cockroach droppings are larger and cylindrical.
Musty Odor
An unpleasant odor, similar to a load of laundry that sat in the washing machine too long, can mean a large cockroach infestation is present. These pests give off a scent on their own due to their oily bodies and pheromones, but when a large population gathers, the scent strengthens and intensifies.
Shed Skins and Egg Casings
Roaches molt several times over their lifespan, leaving shed skins behind. If you see shed cockroach skins in your house, there’s probably a thriving population present.
Another sign of a healthy and growing cockroach infestation is the presence of egg casings, also called ootheca. These bean-shaped egg capsules are often hidden in warm, dark spaces. They are usually a shade of brown and can hold anywhere from 10 to 40 eggs, depending on the species.
Smear Marks or Stains
Cockroaches are not the cleanest creatures. As they travel around, they become quite dirty and spread their oily marks along baseboards, walls, and floors. Although not always readily apparent, these marks are most easily seen in damp or humid areas.
Damage to Food Packaging or Organic Materials
Cockroaches will eat almost anything. When they enter your house, they’ll often nest in your kitchen since it offers a steady, easily accessible food supply. If you notice minor gnaw marks or openings in food packaging, cockroaches may be the cause.
Why It’s Critical to Act Quickly
Regardless of whether they are dangerous or a nuisance, no one wants pests in their home. However, when it comes to roaches, it’s very important to act quickly to get rid of them if you suspect you have them in your house. These pests aren’t just annoying; they’re dangerous.
Because they'll eat almost anything, cockroaches spend their time in extremely unsanitary areas, including in garbage bins, in sink drains, and on animal waste. While in these locations, they pick up bacteria and other pathogens that they can then spread around your house. It’s very easy to get sick from eating contaminated food when you have cockroaches in residence.
It’s also important to act quickly because cockroaches breed quickly. Even if just a few get inside initially, they will soon have a growing population as they continue reproducing.
What to Do If You Spot Signs of Cockroaches
If you see any of the signs mentioned above, contact Anti-Pesto Bug Killers right away. Cockroaches are one of the most challenging insects to get rid of, so you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches by letting the professionals do the job right the first time.
We have nearly 40 years of experience treating Tampa Bay's cockroach problems. Our services are designed around each customer’s unique needs so that you get the comprehensive treatments necessary to eliminate and prevent cockroaches and other pests. Contact us today to request a cockroach inspection.
How to Prevent Future Roach Infestations
Although cockroach control is best left to the professionals, you can implement measures to help prevent cockroaches from getting into your house. We recommend:
- Sealing cracks and other entry points
- Storing all food in sealed containers
- Taking care of moisture issues inside and outside your house
- Regularly cleaning your kitchens and bathrooms
- Taking out the trash regularly
- Eliminating clutter that could provide hiding spots for these pests
For more prevention tips or to implement a home pest control plan, contact Anti-Pesto Bug Killers today.
