Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
There are many types of cockroaches that can be found in Florida, and it is important to know how to identify them and remove them from your home. Cockroaches can cause a number of problems, including allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common types of cockroaches in Florida and provide tips for removing them from your home.
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Is it normal to have cockroaches in your house in Florida?
If you live in Florida, the answer is probably yes. Cockroaches are unfortunately common in homes throughout the state. If you have cockroaches in your home, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
First, try to figure out how they’re getting into your house. Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny cracks and crevices, so seal up any openings you can find. You can also try setting out traps or bait to attract and kill the cockroaches.
What is the largest cockroach in Florida?
The American cockroach is the largest cockroach in Florida. It can grow to be up to three inches long. These cockroaches are brown in color and have a yellow band around their body.
They are often found in warm, moist areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. American cockroaches can live for up to one year.
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Types of cockroaches in Florida
There are four main types of cockroaches that you’ll find in Florida: German, American, Oriental, and Smokey Brown. Each one is different in terms of size, shape, and color.
1. German cockroaches
German cockroaches are the most common type of cockroach in Florida. These pests are about ½ an inch long and are light brown in color. German cockroaches are known to carry disease and can trigger asthma attacks.
Habitat: German cockroaches are found in all types of buildings, but they prefer warm, humid areas. These cockroaches are often found in kitchens and bathrooms.
Diet: German cockroaches eat a variety of food, but they prefer starchy foods and sweets.
Reproduction: Female German cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are carried in a sac called an ootheca, which is attached to the female’s abdomen.
German cockroaches are a nuisance and can be difficult to get rid of. If you think you have German cockroaches in your home, contact a pest control professional.
2. American cockroaches
American cockroach is the largest cockroach in Florida. It is reddish brown and has a yellow band around the edge of its body. American cockroaches can grow to be about three inches long.
They live in damp, dark places and are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and sewers. American cockroaches can also be found in other parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Habitat:
The American cockroach is found in warm, moist environments such as sewers, basements, crawl spaces, and other dark, damp places.
Diet:
American cockroaches are omnivorous and will eat almost anything. They are especially fond of decaying organic matter and fermenting foods.
Reproduction:
Female American cockroaches can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are deposited in an egg case, which is about the size of a dime. The egg case is dark brown and has a glossy surface.
The egg case is attached to the female’s abdomen and is carried around until it hatches. When the egg case hatches, the nymphs (young cockroaches) are about the size of a pinhead.
The nymphs go through several molts (shed their skin) as they grow. American cockroaches can live for up to two years.
3. Oriental cockroaches
Oriental cockroaches are one of the most common cockroach species in Florida. They are dark brown or black, and can grow up to two inches long.
Oriental cockroaches are often found near sources of moisture, such as drains or leaky pipes. These cockroaches are not capable of flying, but they can move quickly when disturbed.
Habitat: Oriental cockroaches are found in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, they are most common in the southeastern states, including Florida.
Diet: Oriental cockroaches are scavengers that will eat just about anything. They are especially fond of decaying organic matter, such as leaves and dead insects.
Breeding: Oriental cockroaches reproduce quickly, with females producing up to eight egg capsules in their lifetime. Each capsule contains about 16 eggs, and the young nymphs hatch after about two months.
4. Florida Woods Cockroaches
Florida Woods Cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Florida. They are dark brown or black and have a wingspan of up to three inches. They are often found in wooded areas and around homes.
Florida Woods Cockroaches are not considered to be a pest, but they can become a nuisance if they enter your home.
Habitat:
Florida Woods Cockroaches are found in wooded areas and around homes.
Diet:
Florida Woods Cockroaches eat leaves, twigs, and other plant material. They also eat insects and other small animals.
Reproduction:
Female Florida Woods Cockroaches lay their eggs in the ground. The eggs hatch into nymphs, which resemble adults. Nymphs molt several times before reaching adulthood.
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5. Smokey Brown cockroaches
Smokey Brown cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Florida. They are dark brown or black, and have a light brown band on their thorax. Smokey Brown cockroaches are about one and a half inches long, and can fly.
Smokey Brown cockroaches are attracted to light, and can be found near windows and doors. They are also attracted to food, and can be found in kitchens and pantries. Smokey Brown cockroaches are not harmful to humans, but can be a nuisance.
Habitat: Smokey Brown cockroaches are found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are common in Florida, and can also be found in other parts of the southeastern United States.
Diet: Smokey Brown cockroaches eat a variety of food, including plants, fruits, and insects. They are attracted to sugary food, and can be a nuisance in kitchens.
Reproduction: Smokey Brown cockroaches reproduce quickly, and can have up to eight egg capsules in their lifetime. Each egg capsule contains about 30 eggs, and the eggs hatch in about two months.
Control: Smokey Brown cockroaches can be controlled with a variety of methods, including baits, traps, and insecticides. If you have a problem with Smokey Brown cockroaches , contact a pest control professional.
6. Australian Cockroaches
Australian Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches found in Florida. They are reddish-brown to dark brown, with a yellow or light brown stripe running down their backs. These cockroaches are about 13 to 16 millimeters long, and can fly short distances.
Habitat:
Australian Cockroaches are often found near sources of food and water, such as in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
Diet:
Australian Cockroaches feed on a variety of foods, including plants, fruits, vegetables, meat, and even other insects.
Reproduction:
Female Australian Cockroaches can lay up to 30 egg capsules in their lifetime, each containing about 24 eggs.
7. Brown-Banded Cockroaches
Brown-Banded Cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Florida. They are small, brown, and have two dark stripes running across their backs. Brown-Banded Cockroaches are often found in homes and businesses.
Habitat: Brown-Banded Cockroaches are found in a variety of habitats including homes, businesses, and warehouses.
Diet: Brown-Banded Cockroaches eat a variety of foods including plants, animals, and garbage.
Reproduction: Brown-Banded Cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can lay up to 40 eggs at a time.
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8. Surinam Cockroaches
Surinam Cockroaches are one of the most common cockroaches in Florida. They are dark brown or black and have a shiny, smooth body. They are about ½ inch long and can fly short distances. Surinam Cockroaches are not harmful to humans but can be a nuisance.
Habitat: Surinam Cockroaches are found in damp, dark places. They are often found near drains, in basements, and in crawl spaces.
Food: Surinam Cockroaches eat decaying organic matter. They are often found near garbage cans or in compost piles.
Reproduction: Surinam Cockroaches reproduce quickly. A female can lay up to 50 eggs at a time. The eggs are dark brown and about ¼ inch long. They hatch in about two weeks.
9. Asian Cockroaches
Asian Cockroaches are one of the most commonly found cockroaches in Florida. They are dark brown or black, and have wings that allow them to fly short distances. These roaches are often found near garbage cans or other sources of food.
Habitat: Asian cockroaches can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields and gardens.
Diet: Asian cockroaches are scavengers and will eat just about anything.
Reproduction: Female Asian cockroaches lay egg cases that contain around 30 eggs. The eggs hatch in about two weeks, and the nymphs mature into adults in about two months.
10. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are one of the most common types of cockroaches in Florida. They are about one and a half inches long and are dark brown in color.
Habitat: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are often found near wooded areas, which is where they get their name from.
Diet: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches are not known to be harmful to humans or animals, but can be a nuisance if they enter your home.
Reproduction: Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches reproduce by laying eggs. The female Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach can lay up to 30 eggs at a time.
If you have Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to call a pest control company.
How do you keep Florida roaches away?
The best way to keep roaches away is to remove their food and water sources. Roaches are attracted to dirty, cluttered homes with lots of hiding places. To help deter them, vacuum regularly and wash dishes promptly.
Keep food in sealed containers and garbage in a can with a tight lid. Regularly check your home for cracks and repaired them. caulking and weather-stripping can help prevent roaches from getting inside. Finally, consider using roach traps or bait to help control their population.
Why does Florida have so many roaches?
There are several reasons for Florida’s cockroach problem.
First, the state’s warm climate is ideal for roaches. They can reproduce year-round, and their populations can quickly get out of control.
Second, Florida has a lot of international visitors. Roaches can hitch a ride into the state on luggage or cargo and then establish themselves in the new environment.
Finally, Florida’s many homes and businesses provide plenty of places for roaches to hide and breed.
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Do Florida cockroaches bite?
There are several types of cockroaches in Florida, but the two most common ones are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. American cockroaches are typically found outdoors, while German cockroaches are usually found indoors.
Both types of cockroaches can bite, but their bites are not generally considered harmful to humans.
How to get rid of cockroaches in Florida
There are a few things you can do to get rid of cockroaches in Florida. One is to use roach traps. These are available at most hardware stores and work by luring the cockroach into the trap with food. Once the cockroach enters, it cannot escape and will eventually die.
Another way to get rid of cockroaches in Florida is to use roach bait. This is a poison that cockroaches will eat and then die. The bait is available in gel form or as a powder. You can find it at most hardware stores as well.
If you have a serious roach problem, you may need to call an exterminator. Exterminators will come to your home and spray for cockroaches. This will usually get rid of the problem, but it may take a few treatments.
Related: How to Get Rid of Cockroaches and Keep Them Away
Can I break my lease because of cockroach infestation in Florida?
The answer to this question depends on the severity of the infestation and whether or not your landlord is taking steps to address the problem.
If you have a severe infestation that is affecting your health or causing damage to your property, you may be able to break your lease.
However, if your landlord is taking steps to address the problem, you may not be able to break your lease. If you are unsure, you should consult an attorney.
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Conclusion
There are a variety of cockroach species that call Florida home. Some are more problematic than others, but all can be removed with the help of a pest management professional. If you think you have cockroaches in your home or business, contact a licensed pest control operator to have them properly identified and removed.
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