Which Cockroaches Are Most Common in Tampa Bay Homes?
American Cockroaches
Also called palmetto bugs or water bugs, American cockroaches are the largest species you might encounter, sometimes over two inches long. Their reddish-brown, oval-shaped bodies and distinctive yellow figure-eight pattern on the head make them easy to identify. They have six legs, long antennae, and can even fly, which makes spotting them especially alarming.
Oriental Cockroaches
Smaller than American cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches are shiny black and about half the size. Sometimes called water bugs, they do not fly and prefer damp areas, like basements, drains, and other moist parts of your home.
German Cockroaches
The smallest of Tampa’s common cockroach species, German cockroaches measure roughly half an inch long. They are light brown with two dark stripes running down their backs. Although they have wings, they rarely fly. German cockroaches are especially notorious for invading kitchens and bathrooms in search of food and water.
Why You Don’t Want Cockroaches in Your House
Sure, nobody wants creepy bugs scurrying around the house, but the real concern with cockroaches is the health risk they pose. These pests carry harmful pathogens on their bodies, spreading bacteria and viruses to surfaces like counters, dishes, and even food.
Cockroaches reproduce rapidly, hide in tiny spaces, and are notoriously difficult to eliminate with over-the-counter sprays. Even a single roach can quickly become an infestation.
What Attracts Cockroaches in Tampa Bay
Cockroaches are drawn to three main things: food, water, and shelter.
- Food: Roaches will eat almost anything, from leftover meals to crumbs, pet food, or even hair, dead skin cells, and dried toothpaste residue.
- Water: They are attracted to moisture, which is why leaks, standing water, and high-humidity areas are prime spots for them.
- Shelter: Warm, damp environments, like under sinks, drains, bathrooms, and basements, offer the perfect hiding spots.
How to Prevent Cockroach Infestations
To prevent cockroaches, you have to eliminate the things that attract them and make sure it’s difficult for them to get into your house in the first place. Anti-Pesto Bug Killers recommends the following cockroach prevention tips:
- Reduce yard debris and outdoor clutter.
- Fix leaks and eliminate standing water around your property.
- Trim foliage around your home’s perimeter.
- Clean up pet waste promptly.
- Use tightly sealed trash cans and store them away from your house.
- Seal cracks, gaps, and holes around windows, doors, siding, and the foundation.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Clean counters, floors, and dishes after meals.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Address indoor moisture and reduce humidity.
What to Do if Cockroaches Get Inside
Spotting a cockroach doesn’t usually mean it’s a one-time problem. There are likely many roaches where there's one, especially if they’re active during the day. Cockroaches are nocturnal and typically stay hidden when the sun is out.
The best way to protect your home is with professional home pest control services from Anti-Pesto Bug Killers. Our local pest control team provides ongoing, proactive treatments to prevent cockroaches and other pests from taking over your home. We target the areas where roaches hide, eliminate them at all stages of development, and create a lasting barrier against future infestations.
Serving Tampa, Largo, Lakeland, and communities throughout Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Hernando counties, you can count on our experience and expertise to protect your home and family from roaches. Contact us today to request a quote!
