Common Types of Cockroaches in South Florida
Cockroaches are a common household pest in South Florida due to the warm and humid climate. In fact, there are several species of cockroaches found in South Florida, each with their own unique appearance and behavior. In this blog, we will discuss the most common types of roaches found in South Florida and how to identify them.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest species of cockroach found in FL. They are reddish-brown in color and have a distinctive yellowish figure-8 pattern on the back of their head. Adults can grow up to 2 inches in length, making them quite intimidating. They are commonly found in warm, damp areas such as basements, sewers, and bathrooms and are known to be quite fast, and can even fly short distances.
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is the most common species of cockroach found in South Florida. They are light brown in color and have two dark stripes on their back. Adults grow up to 5/8 of an inch in length, making them much smaller than the American cockroach. They are commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms, as they are attracted to food and moisture. German cockroaches are known to be prolific breeders and can quickly infest a home.
Oriental Cockroach
The Oriental cockroach is also known as the water bug or black beetle. They are shiny black in color and have flat bodies. Adults can grow up to 1 1/4 inches in length. They are commonly found in damp, dark areas such as basements and crawl spaces. Unlike American and German cockroaches, Oriental cockroaches do not fly.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
The Brown-banded cockroach is light brown in color and has two light-colored bands across its wings. Adults can grow up to 5/8 of an inch in length. They are commonly found in warm, dry areas such as bedrooms and living rooms. Brown-banded cockroaches are known for their ability to infest electrical appliances, as they are attracted to the warmth generated by these devices.
Smoky Brown Cockroach
The Smoky brown cockroach is dark brown in color and has a shiny appearance. Adults can grow up to 1 1/2 inches in length. They are commonly found in outdoor areas such as trees, mulch, and firewood piles. They are attracted to light and can sometimes be found near outdoor lighting fixtures. They do sometimes make their way into your house but are the least common type of cockroach to find in your FL home.
Call Professional Roach Exterminators
Identifying the type of cockroach infesting your home is important in determining the best course of action for control. If you are unsure which type of cockroach is infesting your home, it is best to contact a professional pest control company.
With same-day cockroach removal services and free re-treatments, Mitchell Pest Control is guaranteed to get rid of cockroaches for good. Contact our experienced pest professionals today to learn how we can help your family stay safe!
To help to give you a better understanding of this common household pest, here are some of the most common questions we get about roaches:
Cockroaches are a common household pest in Florida, particularly in the southern parts of the state, due to the warm and humid climate. It is not uncommon to find cockroaches in homes and other buildings in Florida, including both native species and non-native species that have been introduced from other parts of the world.
Cockroaches can be considered dangerous due to the potential health risks associated with their presence. Cockroaches are known to carry bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can be harmful to humans. These pathogens can cause diseases such as salmonella, typhoid fever, and dysentery. Cockroach droppings, shed skin, and saliva can also trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms in some people.
In addition to the health risks, cockroaches can also cause damage to property. They can chew through paper, fabrics, and even some types of plastics. They can also damage electrical appliances by chewing on wires and causing short circuits.
Palmetto bug is a term commonly used in the southeastern United States, including South Florida, to refer to a type of large, flying cockroach. Technically, there is no difference between a palmetto bug and a cockroach; they are the same insect.
The term "palmetto bug" is often used to refer specifically to the American cockroach, which is one of the largest and most common species of cockroach found in South Florida. The American cockroach is often found in palmetto trees, hence the name "palmetto bug". The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any large, flying cockroach.