Florida roaches are very resilient because of the climate and geography of Florida. Like tourists, roaches also like Florida weather and love to live in this state. These roaches are difficult to get rid of once they enter your house. Here is a list of Florida’s most common types of roaches.
Florida Roaches
You can find different types of cockroaches in Florida, which can cause many health problems. In this article, I will try to explain every type of cockroach found in Florida and how you can identify them.
American cockroach
The American cockroach is the largest and the most common among the many types of cockroaches in Florida. This cockroach is also known as the palmetto bug.
Habitat
It can be found in various habitats, including sewage systems, basements, and even air ducts. The American cockroach lives in dark, damp, and warm habitats. It is usually found in places with plenty of food and water, such as kitchens, basements, and sewers. They often enter homes through cracks in foundations or sewer pipes. They can also enter through loose-fitting windows or gas pipes.
Food
These cockroaches are nocturnal, and the climate and food availability influence their lifespan in their surroundings. They are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods. They eat algae, decaying leaves, fungi, and small insects. They eat dead insects, paper, fruit, beer, and even animal hides.
Size, Color, and Structure
The adult American cockroach is about 1.4 to 1.6 inches long. It is reddish brown. It has a small figure-eight mark behind its head, which is unique to this species. It has two black stripes on its wings that extend beyond its abdomen. It also has 18-19 segmented cerci.
The American cockroach is a very fast-moving insect. It can run at speeds of up to 11 inches per second. In warm weather, these insects can migrate from one building to another. It is one of the fastest insects in the world.
Diseases
In addition to being a pest, these insects can spread viruses and food poisoning. They are also known to spread Dysentery and E. Coli. They prefer warm and moist environments and are drawn to light sources.
Brown-banded cockroach
The Brown-Banded Cockroach is a common pest in the southern and eastern United States. They tend to be found inside homes, especially in cabinets and electronics. They are usually nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. These insects are small and can hide in furniture, making it difficult to locate an infestation.
Habitat
The brown-banded cockroach is a flying insect that primarily prefers warm, dry locations. Their nesting areas are near food sources such as garbage and compost bins. They are also found in sewers, drains, and woodpiles. They are also known to spread microorganisms and pathogens to their food.
Reproduction
Brown-banded cockroaches are able to reproduce rapidly. Females lay 10 to 18 egg capsules during their lifetime, and the eggs hatch at varying rates depending on environmental conditions. It is common to find dozens of these bugs outside your home in Florida.
Size, Color, and Structure
These cockroaches can grow up to ½ inches in length and are of brown color. Male Brown-banded cockroaches have wings and can fly; however, the wings of brown-banded female cockroaches are not fully developed, so the female cannot fly.
Food
This cockroach is a scavenger, which means it will find food inside the house and can eat anything. However, it does not pose the same threat as the American or German roaches. They do not multiply to epidemic proportions inside your home. It is best to be aware of the signs of a cockroach infestation and to seek professional help if you notice a large infestation.
Florida Woods Cockroach
Another cockroach that is common in Florida is the Florida Woods Cockroach. They usually don’t live inside and don’t cause any infestation.
Habitat
These insects typically nest in dead trees or holes in the ground. They are also found in mulch and compost piles, but they love to live in gardens.
Food
Florida cockroach finds their food in fallen fruits, vegetables, and wood logs.
Size, color, and Structure
Florida wood roaches are 1.5 inches long and dark brown. These cockroaches are wingless and can be easily identified due to this feature.
Surinam cockroach
Even though Surinam cockroaches are not normally considered a pest, they can cause serious damage to plants and vegetation.
Habitat
Surinam Cockroaches ability to feed on plant material makes them a nuisance in greenhouses and botanical gardens. They can also be introduced into homes through the soil of potted plants.
Surinam cockroaches are usually found in the southeastern United States. In addition, they have also been reported in other states, such as Texas. They are especially common along the Gulf of Mexico and the Southeastern Coast.
In addition, they can be found in trash bags and compost piles. They are usually not aggressive and stay hidden in the shadows.
Surinam cockroaches tolerate cold temperatures, but they should not be left to breed indoors in the winter.
Food
Surinam cockroaches can be very destructive to plants, particularly tropical plants. They burrow deep into the soil and feed on the roots and stems of plants. They are nocturnal insects, which makes them active at night.
Size, Color, and Structure
Surinam cockroaches have a black or brown body, a pale band on the front edge of their bodies, and shiny brown wings. They have short legs and can reach three-fourths of an inch in length.
Reproduction
Female Surinam cockroaches do not require males to fertilize their eggs. They give birth to live nymphs, which make excellent food for reptiles. These nymphs molt about ten to thirteen times during their life.
Getting Rid of Surinam Cockroaches
Infestations can be prevented by eliminating all moisture and damp areas and tightening foundation screens and attic vents. Also, keep the grass short. Surinam cockroaches are active during the spring and summer months when weather conditions are warm.
Using a liquid insecticide to soak the soil in which Surinam cockroaches live is a good way to control them. Some granular roach baits are also effective, particularly in damp areas. Alternatively, a professional pest control expert can place sticky traps or large bait stations around plants infested with Surinam cockroaches.
Smokybrown Cockroach
The smoky brown cockroach is a species native to the southeastern United States.
Size, color, and Structure
These insects are dark brown or black in color and have a smoky appearance. They are about 1-1.5 inches long and have a wingspan of 3-4 inches.
Food
Smoky brown cockroaches are omnivorous, meaning they eat plant and animal material.
Habitat
These cockroaches are found in the wooded area and live in plant holes. Smokybrown love to live in a humid and warm environment.
Infestation
Smokybrown usually lives outside but, in rare cases, can enter your house through a sewer and other sources. These cockroaches can carry pathogens and bacteria and cause asthma or allergy problems. Therefore, it is suggested to prevent them from coming inside your house.