Identifying American Cockroaches in Florida
The American cockroach is known by many names—water bug or palmetto bug— as well as many unprintable expletives. It is the largest of the house-infesting cockroaches, measuring up to 2 1⁄8 inches long with fully developed reddish-brown wings. Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America and was probably introduced via ships from Africa. It is currently found throughout the United States and is second only to the German cockroach in abundance. Adults can live up to one year and an adult female will produce an average of 150 young in her lifetime.
To see what other kinds of roaches live in Florida, visit our Pest Info page for common cockroaches in Florida.
Where in Florida Do American Cockroaches Live?
In nature, the American cockroach is found in bat caves and hollow trees. In urban settings, it is a common inhabitant of sewers, storm drainage systems, prisons, factories, hospitals, and hotels. The American cockroach is omnivorous and an opportunistic feeder. It consumes decaying organic matter but is a scavenger and will eat almost anything. It prefers sweets but has also been observed eating paper, pet food, soap, hair, fruit, book bindings, cardboard boxes, cloth, and dead insects. American cockroaches prefer warm, damp environments and can often be found outdoors around drains, garbage bins, trees, and woodpiles. When these roaches venture inside homes in search of food, they often live in damp areas such as basements, garages, kitchens, and bathrooms.
How Common Are American Cockroaches in Florida?
The American cockroach is one of the most common cockroach species found in Florida homes. Due to the state’s consistently warm and humid climate, American cockroaches are highly prevalent in Florida. In fact, Florida ranks among the top U.S. states for cockroach infestations, with a government study showing that approximately 30% of homes in some Florida cities report issues with roaches. American cockroaches typically enter homes in search of food and shelter, especially during extreme weather conditions like heavy rain or drought.
Are American Cockroaches Dangerous?
American cockroaches have the ability to bite, although they rarely do. These cockroaches are considered dangerous pests because they breed and feed in unsanitary areas close to humans, such as garbage storage, sewage systems, and septic tanks. American cockroaches have a characteristic odor when present and can contaminate human foods and surfaces with their feces and body parts. Foraging cockroaches can also be vectors of disease, depositing germs or bacteria in areas they inhabit and causing asthma attacks in some people sensitive to cockroach allergens.
If you suspect an American cockroach infestation, contact a professional cockroach exterminator.
If you’re looking for Florida cockroach exterminators to deal with an American cockroach infestation in your home, Bug Out Florida offers expert pest control services to help you eliminate roaches with effective and safe treatments.
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FAQs
What are the signs of an American cockroach infestation?
American cockroach infestations can be identified through several tell-tale signs. The most obvious indicator is spotting live cockroaches, especially in dark, warm, and damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. These pests, often called Florida cockroaches or palmetto bugs, are typically reddish-brown with a yellowish marking on their thorax. You may also notice droppings that resemble small, black specks with ridges, or the presence of shed skins. A strong, musty odor is another common sign of a cockroach infestation, as the roaches produce chemicals that can result in a distinct smell when they gather in large numbers.
How do I get rid of American cockroaches?
To effectively eliminate American cockroaches from your home, start by cleaning and removing any food sources. Proper sanitation is key—seal food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage regularly, and clean up crumbs and spills. Next, seal cracks, gaps, and holes around your home’s foundation, windows, and doors to prevent them from entering. Use cockroach baits and traps in areas where roaches are commonly seen, such as under sinks and behind appliances. In more severe infestations, professional pest control may be necessary to effectively handle cockroach infestations in Florida homes.
How do I prevent American cockroaches from coming back?
Preventing American cockroaches from returning requires a combination of maintaining cleanliness and sealing entry points. Make sure to regularly clean your home, especially in high-moisture areas where Florida cockroaches thrive. Fix leaky faucets, seal cracks in walls, and install door sweeps to block access. Proper waste management is crucial—store garbage in sealed containers and dispose of it frequently. Lastly, consider using roach deterrents or insecticides around the perimeter of your home, focusing on areas where cockroaches are likely to enter.
