There are more than 3,500 species of cockroaches worldwide, regardless of species, all cockroaches share some commonalities. When identifying cockroaches look for length between 0.7 inches and 3 inches, a reddish-brown to black color, and an oval-shaped body. Now that you know what to look for in general, here is some more information on identifying specific species and preventing these pests.
Florida’s Roaches — the American, the German, the Florida Woods Roach
German Cockroach
The German cockroach is one of the most common species. These pests infest homes and businesses alike. They are tiny and can hide in cracks behind appliances, walls, and small spaces throughout your home.
When identifying cockroaches, be sure to use care; German cockroaches have been known to carry 40 to fifty diseases. They enjoy damp, bacteria-infested areas and warmth from electric outlets and computers.
To reduce German cockroaches’ interest, come up with a preventative plan with Florida Environmental Pest Management. German cockroaches can hide in door hinges, floor-to-wall meeting points, and floorboards. They also feed and thrive off garbage.
Keep your home clean and avoid excess garbage near the house. Don’t allow damp areas to remain in your home, and be sure to fix cracks in walls and floorboards.
American Cockroach
The American cockroach can be more than three inches long. When identifying cockroaches check for species specific details like the yellow band behind the heads of American cockroaches. They are very common outdoors and in sewer systems.
American cockroaches invade homes while looking for water or food. They enter homes through broken weather stripping, cracks in windows, and garages. Hot spots for this species include the kitchen, bathroom, and basement.
To keep these roaches outside make sure your house is sealed well. Keep weather stripping in good order and fix any cracks in windows immediately. Especially pay attention to garage and basement openings that may be over looked.
Check out flower beds and mulch to make sure you don’t have American cockroaches near your home. If you find any evidence of these pests contact Florida Environmental Pest Management as soon as possible.
Florida Woods Cockroaches
The Florida woods cockroach can be distinguished by their foul-smelling liquid when threatened. It is easy to identify cockroaches like these when you can not only smell them but see them well since they can be around 1.5 inches.
These cockroaches are mainly found outdoors and in hot humid environments, like Florida. This species can sometimes enter homes in search of heat and leaky pipes. Bathrooms and basements are two of their favorite hangouts.
Making sure all pipes are in good repair and your house is well sealed from pests is the best way to prevent these cockroaches. Look for them as they are usually quite large and noticeable.
Be aware that this species of cockroaches is found outdoors in trees, wood piles, and leaf piles. They are black in color and do have wings, even though they are hard to see. Keep them out of your home with ongoing preventative care like Florida Environmental Pest Management’s baiting system.
Health Concerns
There is no getting around it, cockroaches are disease carrying, dirty pests. They can obtain filth from damp corners and decaying matter which they have crawled through.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) they can carry germs that cause diarrhea, leprosy, typhoid fever, and many viral diseases. They can contaminate food and even cause allergy and asthma problems.
You must know how to identify cockroaches to be able to treat the specific species of pest you are dealing with. Hiring a professional pest removal service is a must when it comes to cockroaches.
Contact Florida Environmental Pest Management to effectively identify cockroaches in your home. Their trained professionals will be able to identify the species and source of your infestation. This is very important for the health of your home and family.
