Cockroaches are gross. End of story. They invoke a visceral reaction from most people, and for good reason—their presence usually heralds many problems, from soiled foods to unpleasant odors you can’t get rid of. Unfortunately, cockroaches enjoy the same climate that Floridians do, so if you live in Florida, you’ll run into these pests sooner or later. When you do, the first thing you should do is identify them so you can take the appropriate measures to get rid of them. You don’t have to be an entomologist to do this—pest control companies like 911 Pest Experts say that appearance, behavior, and where you find the pests crawling around can help you determine which one you’re dealing with.
American Cockroaches
South Florida is home to many cockroaches, and the aptly named American cockroach is one of the largest species found in the region. The insect can be distinguished from other types of cockroaches by its size, which can span up to two inches long, and the tan pattern on its head, which resembles a figure eight.
While American roaches typically live outdoors, experts say they may be driven indoors by weather extremes, making infestations a possibility year-round.
German Cockroaches
German cockroaches are another species found in South Florida. They’re not actually from Germany, but that doesn’t change the fact that they are notorious for their rapid reproductive rates. Females can produce up to 40 offspring per egg case and will lay new eggs every few weeks, resulting in explosive population growth if left unchecked. These pests remain strictly indoors and will often frequent more humid areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
A similarly problematic species is the brown-banded cockroach, a small insect that can be identified by its dark body and light-brown bands. Unlike other cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches prefer drier areas, leading them to infest the interior of electronics, furniture, bedrooms, or attics—places you won’t usually find American or German cockroaches. While less common in South Florida, they may spread to difficult-to-access locations in homes, making them challenging to eliminate.
Australian Cockroaches
And now for a threat from down under. In Florida, you may also find the Australian cockroach, which resembles the American cockroach but sports bright yellow stripes on the edges of its wings and its thorax. These cockroaches often make their homes in ornamental plants and greenhouses, but they are strong fliers and may invade roof spaces, water meter boxes, and plumbing fixtures.
Here’s a bit of trivia, for those of you who are curious: neither Australian nor American cockroaches actually come from where their names imply they’re from. They’re both probably from Africa, but Floridians have to live with them now, unfortunately.
Florida Woods Cockroaches
Finally, while the native Florida woods cockroach rarely invades properties, it may occasionally be introduced into homes through firewood. These cockroaches have dark, shiny bodies and will release a foul-smelling fluid when threatened. However, these insects prefer decaying plant matter as a food source and typically show little interest in human food.
Dealing with Cockroaches
Once you’ve identified the cockroaches in your home, you can either go with a DIY approach or a professional pest control company. If the infestation is severe, the latter is probably your best bet, as pros will know exactly what to do to deal with the problem.
911 Pest Experts
info@911homehelps.com
+1 786 269 6959
9555 Southwest 175th Terrace #202
Palmetto Bay
FL
33157
United States
