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South Florida is home to a few different types of cockroaches. Getting rid of cockroaches will require a different approach depending on their type. If your home is infested with any of these cockroach species, it’s important to determine first what type they are so you can utilize the most effective way to terminate them from your home or business.
As a professional pest control company in South Florida, we will help guide you in identifying the most common types of cockroaches that could be infesting your home. We will also provide professional tips and advice on how you can effectively prevent any future cockroach infestations.
Cockroach infestations are a common problem in South Florida houses. Roaches are highly capable of adapting to various environments and living spaces.
Most cockroaches share some general features. They typically have oval-shaped and flattened bodies that allow them to squeeze into tight holes. Their size can also vary, usually from half an inch to two inches in length. Their habitats are commonly found in dark and dirty areas as well as places near food and water sources.
Why is it important to identify the type of cockroach in your home? Each species has unique behaviors and preferences. For instance, some are more commonly found in kitchens, while others may prefer damp outdoor areas like in the trash or garden. This is why it’s important to identify which type of cockroaches are living in your home to then determine a proper course. In many cases once you have noticed an infestation in your home, it would be wise to contact a local licensed pest company such as Wise House Environmental.
The warm climate of South Florida makes it a perfect place for different types of cockroach species. This allows them to thrive and infest a lot of homes and properties across the region. Below are some of the most common types of cockroach species you can find whether you live in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie or Boynton Beach.
American cockroach (aka Palmetto Bug) is one of the most common cockroach species you can find in homes across South Florida. They are also one of the largest species that can grow between 1.5 to 2 inches. They are reddish-brown in color and usually live in warm and damp environments like basements or drains.
The German Cockroach is a light-brown cockroach species that is smaller than the American Cockroach. They measure about half an inch and are known for indoor infestations in kitchens and bathrooms. They prefer places close to indoor water sources.
Australian cockroach is often mistaken for the American cockroach because of their appearance. However, Australian cockroaches are slightly smaller and have yellow markings on their heads. They are usually found outdoors but will also invade homes if they find openings around the exterior of your property.
The brown-banded cockroach species is easy to identify because of its distinctive light brown bands across its dark brown body. They are about half an inch in size which is smaller compared to other species. Brown-banded cockroaches are usually found in warm and dry places like attics, top of cabinets and crawl spaces.
The Smoky Brown Cockroach is a close relative to the American cockroach. The difference is that Smoky Brown roaches have a dark brown color and can only grow about an inch long. They are excellent fliers and are often found in attics and tight spaces under floorings and roofs.
The Florida Woods Cockroach (aka “stink roach”) is larger and darker and also emits a foul odor when disturbed. They are less common indoors but can be found in damp outdoor areas.
The Asian cockroach is closely similar in appearance to the German cockroach. They are also good fliers and are attracted to lights. They are usually found outdoors but will also go inside homes for food and shelter.
Oriental cockroaches are often called water bugs because they thrive in wet and damp environments. Their appearance is dark and glossy and they grow about an inch long. They are commonly found under bathroom and kitchen sinks.
Cockroaches can cause some health risks and potential property damage if an infestation is not addressed promptly and appropriately. Roaches carry and can spread various harmful pathogens that can cause diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. They can crawl through dirty areas and then transfer bacteria and germs to food surfaces and utensils in your home. Additionally, cockroach droppings, skin shedding, and urine can trigger allergies and asthma in humans.
Cockroaches can also potentially damage your property. Roaches have a tendency to chew on paper fabric, cardboard and soft plastic containers. Important documents, books, and clothing can all be impacted by a cockroach infestation in your home. Moreover, their droppings and the oily substance that they secrete can stain surfaces and fabrics.
Eliminating cockroaches will require a combination of prevention and control strategies. Here’s how you can protect your South Florida home from these unwanted pests.
Prevention Tips:
Maintain Cleanliness: Make sure to clean your home regularly. Cockroaches are attracted to food leftovers so make sure to keep an eye on your kitchen and sinks. Ensure that no crumbs or spills are left unattended.
Seal Entry Points: Check your home for cracks and crevices in windows and doors. Also, seal any openings and cracks in your wall to prevent cockroaches from entering.
Manage Waste Properly: Dispose of garbage regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids. Cockroaches are not picky eaters and will invade your trash bins if they see an opportunity.
Eliminate Water Sources: Check and fix leaky faucets and pipes. Just like humans, cockroaches also need water to survive. Eliminating water sources will also discourage cockroaches from staying in your home.
Store Food Properly: Keep food in sealed containers. Cockroaches have no reason to stay in your home if they don’t have any food sources in the first place.
For cockroach infestations, seeking professional pest control services is strongly advised. Professional pest control companies can provide effective solutions for dealing with cockroach problems. They have the expertise, necessary equipment and traps to effectively eradicate cockroaches.
Dealing with cockroach infestations in your South Florida home first requires properly identifying the cockroach species. Make sure to properly identify their behaviors and characteristics.
If you are still struggling with a cockroach infestation in your home, don’t hesitate to call for help. A professional pest control service like Wise House Environmental Services has the expertise and proper equipment to effectively handle your cockroach problems. We offer natural and chemical-free solutions that are safer for everyone living in your home.
Ready to send away pests without harming your pets? Getting started with Wise House Environmental Services is as easy as 1-2-3:
With Wise House Environmental Services, you get more than just effective pest control; you get peace of mind, knowing that your home is without pests and safer for your pets.
Our approach to pest control combines science with safety, offering you the kind of targeted, effective solutions that you won’t find with just any other pest control service. Our services have made a world of difference for homeowners, and we can do the same for you. Your pets will thank you for it!
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