Roaches in Florida Survival Guide: How to Keep Florida Cockroaches Under Control 

Welcome to Florida. We are the Sunshine State and we love it here. But there is one thing we don’t love about Florida, and that’s the fact that we have roaches.

Roaches are extremely common in Florida. In fact, these pests can be found in every corner of the state, including in homes, homes, restaurants, and even businesses.

If you’re dealing with roaches in Florida, you’re probably wondering how to manage them. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Today, we are talking about roaches in Florida, why there are so many, and how to get rid of them.

But First, Let’s Talk About Roaches In Florida

Roaches are common in Florida due to the warm, humid climate.

There are over 4,000 species of cockroaches worldwide, and only about 55 of those are found in the United States. Still, 55 is more than enough for those of us in Florida.

And while there are so many types of roaches, you’re probably wondering about the most common ones you’ll come across in the Sunshine State.

The most common types of roaches in Florida include:

The German Cockroach

The German cockroach is one of the most common species of roach found in Florida. It is about 1/2 inch long and light brown to dark reddish brown. They are oval-shaped, with two dark stripes behind the head.

German cockroaches live in warm, humid areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. These roaches are active at night and hide during the day. Their preferred hiding places include cracks and crevices in walls, under counters and cabinets, behind refrigerators and stoves, in floor cracks around baseboards, between refrigerator coils, and behind dishwashers.

The Brown-Banded Cockroach

The brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa) is an invasive species of roach in Florida. Originally from Africa. It belongs to a group of tropical cockroaches called “wood cockroaches.” This species has been found throughout Florida and is often transported into new areas by people.

Brown-banded cockroaches are small, brownish insects that are about 1/2 inch long when fully grown. The body has two distinctive longitudinal stripes on the pronotum (the shield-like plate behind the head). These stripes are pale yellow to white and may be difficult to see in some individuals.

There are also two dark bands on each side of the body between the pronotal stripes and the wings. The wings extend beyond the tip of the abdomen in both males and females but are shorter than those of other common household roaches such as German roaches or palmetto bugs.

The American Cockroach

The American Cockroach is the largest cockroach in North America, reaching up to two inches in length. These cockroaches are reddish-brown with a yellowish band around their body. They have large, flattened bodies with long antennae.

The American Cockroach is found in Florida and throughout the southern United States. They can be found in urban and suburban areas as well as farms and homes.

The American Cockroach can live for up to 6 months without food or water and can survive for several weeks without air. They are able to survive because they breathe through tiny holes on their sides called “spiracles” that allow them to pull air into their bodies when they need it even if they cannot reach it directly through their mouthparts or tracheal system (the respiratory system).

This ability makes these cockroaches very difficult to get rid of because they can live without food or water for long periods of time before needing another source of nourishment or hydration again. This also makes them harder to kill because they have more time to find shelter during treatment so the treatment does not work as effectively on them compared to other types of roaches in Florida.

 

The Florida Woods Cockroach

The Florida wood cockroach is a species of roach native to Florida. It is a reddish-brown color, about one inch long, and has wings. This species of cockroach can be found outdoors in leaf litter and under logs and rocks. They are nocturnal and feed on decaying vegetation, fungi, and small insects.

The Florida wood cockroach is not known to carry any pathogens that cause disease in humans or animals; however, they can contaminate food with their feces which may contain bacteria such as E Coli.

The Australian Cockroach

Australian cockroaches are known for their ability to survive long periods without food and water, but they also thrive on a variety of human foods, organic matter, decaying matter, and even other insects. They prefer warm, humid environments and are often found in kitchens or bathrooms.

These types of roaches in Florida have a flattened body shape with long antennae and a tan body with brown or black stripes. The wings are short and do not cover the entire length of the abdomen when at rest. Adult female Australian cockroaches can grow up to two inches long while males tend to be smaller at one inch in length.

The Asian Cockroach

The Asian cockroach can be found throughout Florida and is common in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and other buildings. It has been found in every county in Florida, and they are common both indoors and outdoors.

This type of roach is a small species that grows to about one-half inch long once fully matured. They are dark brown to black in color with a yellow band around their middle section. Their wings are shorter than the American cockroach and do not extend beyond the tip of their abdomen when at rest.

The Asian cockroach has a distinctive appearance when compared to other species of roaches in Florida, such as the German cockroach or American cockroaches. They also have unique behaviors that make them easy to spot if you know what to look for.

For example, Asian cockroaches tend to be more active during the daytime than other species of roaches in Florida. However, like most other roaches, they prefer warm locations where food and water are readily available.

The Oriental Cockroach

The Oriental cockroach is a species of cockroach that is native to Asia. It has since been introduced to other parts of the world, including the United States and Florida.

The Oriental cockroach is often confused with the German cockroach, and while the two species do look very similar and have many similarities in terms of their life cycles, there are differences between them as well.

You may also hear these types of roaches in Florida sometimes called water bugs because they love water and like to live near sources of moisture such as sinks and drains where they can escape easily if threatened.

Why Are Roaches So Common In Florida?

Florida’s warm air and the moist environment are ideal for roaches and many other pests.

Roaches are considered one of the most common pests to infest homes and businesses throughout the state of Florida. They can be found in every part of the state, as we mentioned above, but they are especially prevalent in southern Florida.

But why are roaches so common in Florida? Well, it has to do a lot with the environment. Florida is warm and humid, with tropical temperatures that are ideal for a variety of different roach species.

And because there are so many roaches in Florida, it comes as no surprise there would be roaches in your house or business as a result.

Once inside your home, roaches are attracted to food and water sources. They can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms. The best way to prevent them from entering your home is by maintaining cleanliness and keeping food sealed tightly away from the rest of your house.

Here are a few places you might find roaches inside your home:

Kitchens – Food crumbs make an easy meal for roaches so keeping countertops clean is important. Sealed containers will help keep them out of the pantry as well as other areas where food may be stored or prepared such as under sinks or behind appliances. Make sure all trash bags remain closed at all times as well.

Bathrooms – Bathrooms should also be kept clean and dry with regular cleaning maintenance. This should include fixing leaking pipes, keeping screens on windows, and turning the fan on when you shower to reduce humidity.

Bedrooms – Bedrooms can play host to roach infestations if they aren’t kept clean. Keep in mind that many homes have open space underneath their beds and dressers, providing easy access points for cockroaches to crawl under and into your bedroom. This is why it’s important to keep these spaces as clean as possible. Avoid eating in your bedroom to keep roaches from becoming attracted to it, and sweep, vacuum, and dust often.

Common Signs of Roaches In Your Home Or On Your Property

Along with actually seeing roaches, there are many other common signs of the pests.

As we now know, roaches are one of the most common pests in the United States and especially in Florida. It’s important to know how to identify signs of roaches in your home so that you can take the proper steps to get rid of them.

Common Signs of Roaches In Your Home Or On Your Property Include:

• Shed roach skins
• Roach eggs
• Roach feces
• Strange odors
• Sounds in the walls

Shed Roach Skins

 

Roaches shed their skin from time to time as they grow, so if you see shed skins around your home, there’s a good chance that you have a roach infestation. You may also find small piles of shed skins near cracks or crevices where roaches spend a lot of time.

Roach Eggs

Roaches lay their eggs in dark places like pantries or closets where food is stored; these eggs are typically brownish-black and less than 1/8 inch long (about 3 mm). If you see these eggs, there’s a good chance that they belong to cockroaches rather than other kinds of insects such as silverfish.

Roach Feces

Roach feces are dark brown or black and can be found in corners and under furniture. They may also be found smeared on walls or window ledges. The size of the droppings also varies from one species to another. For example, German cockroaches produce small droppings that are less than 1 mm in length; whereas American cockroaches produce larger feces that measure up to 3 mm long.

Strange Odors

Roaches produce a strong odor when they die, which can be unpleasant for those who live in or around the home. The smell of roaches is also one indicator that there may be a problem with these insects, so if you notice a strange smell coming from your home or property, it’s important to address it immediately before the problem gets worse.

Sounds In The Walls

Roaches, especially German cockroaches, can make a variety of noises. Roaches make sounds when they are alarmed and try to scare off enemies. They also make sounds when they are mating. You might also hear them scurrying behind your walls, especially if you have a serious roach problem.

How To Get Rid Of Roaches In Florida – Best Products For Removal

Getting rid of roaches takes consistency and the use of quality products.

Roaches are everywhere in Florida, but there are some areas that are worse than others. If you live in any of these areas, then you know how bad it can get. There are a number of different products for how to get rid of roaches in Florida, but some work better than others.

The most popular way to get rid of roaches is to use pest control products, roach traps, insecticide sprays, or natural products. Below are some popular methods and products used by experts for how to get rid of roaches in Florida.

Combat Roach Killing Bait Stations

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Combat roach killer bait stations are a quick, clean and easy way to eliminate roaches in Florida from your home or business. The stations contain bait that attracts cockroaches, which then feed on it and die. The bait is completely enclosed within the station so it won’t leak out or be exposed to kids or pets – making it an excellent choice for households with children or pets.

The key to getting rid of roaches with this product is ensuring you have enough Combat Roach Killing Bait Stations placed throughout your home or business so that there’s one near every major food source for roaches – like near sinks, under stoves and refrigerators, and anywhere else where you’ve seen them hanging out.

Advion Tubes and Plungers Roach Control

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Advion Roach Bait Gel is a high-performing bait product that kills several different types of roaches in Florida. The active ingredient in the bait gel is Indoxacarb, which is a chemical that inhibits the nervous system of the insect. The roach eats the bait, then carries it back to its nest to share with other roaches. Once ingested, the insect dies within 24 hours.

The key to success with any cockroach control program is the proper placement of baits. You should leave this bait as close as possible to where you have seen signs of roach activity. For best results place the bait at least 12 inches away from walls or objects such as furniture or appliances that may interfere with the ability of a cockroach to reach the bait.

Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray

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Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray is safe for your home, pets, and family. This product will kill roaches, ants, spiders, and other pests on contact. The product is an all-natural and organic spray that will get rid of the pests in your home without any harmful chemicals. It’s perfect for homes with pets or children who may be allergic to traditional pesticides.

The Wondercide Indoor Pest Control Spray contains peppermint oil and clove oil, which have natural insecticidal properties. The essential oils are also effective at repelling insects from returning to your home after they’ve been sprayed by using this product.

TERRO Ready-To-Use Indoor Roach Bait Gel

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When applied as directed, TERRO® Ready-to-Use Indoor Roach Bait Gel can be used in homes, apartments, and other structures to eliminate entire roach infestations. The bait contains a chemical (imidacloprid) that targets the nervous system of the roach, which causes paralysis and death.

When a roach ingests this bait, it will carry the product back to the nest and share it with other roaches. The active ingredient in TERRO® Ready-to-Use Indoor Roach Bait Gel kills both adult and juvenile cockroaches for up to three months.

Raid Multi Insect Killer

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Raid Multi Insect Killer is another great product we recommend using for getting rid of roaches in Florida. Best of all, this product kills all kinds of insects, not just roaches. It’s also very easy to use and does not require any mixing, so you can use it right out of the bottle.

The main ingredients in this product are pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide, which kill insects quickly and efficiently. This product is safe for use around people and pets but should be used only as directed and kept out of reach of children.

Black Flag Roach Motel

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Black Flag Roach Motel is designed to attract cockroaches by emitting an odor they find irresistible. When the roach eats or drinks this liquid, it dies within 24 hours because it contains poisonous bait ingredients that cause paralysis and death.

Black Flag Roach Motel is a bait product that attracts roaches. The roaches will eat the product and then bring it back to their nests where other roaches will eat it and die. This process can take up to two weeks for complete eradication, but it’s effective and safe for people, pets, and the environment.

How To Prevent Roaches In Florida – Best Products For Prevention

Preventing roaches is an important step to take after you get rid of them.

Getting rid of roaches is one thing, but keeping them from coming back is another.

Luckily, there are many different ways to prevent roaches from returning to your home once you’ve managed to make them leave.

Of course, some of these methods are more effective than others, and it is important to choose the best products and methods for your particular situation. Below are a few products we recommend for the prevention of roaches in Florida.

MovePest Ultrasonic Pest Repeller

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The MovePest Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is a device that uses ultrasonic sound waves to repel pests like roaches. It has an adjustable frequency which allows you to pick the frequency.

You can use this product not only to repel roaches in Florida, but also to repel mice, rats, ants, spiders, and even mosquitoes and flies. The MovePest Ultrasonic Pest Repeller is designed for indoor use only. It does require the use of any toxic chemicals or pesticides in its design and can be used safely around people who are sensitive to chemicals as well as pets who may also be sensitive to them.

Mighty Mint Roach Repellent

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Mighty Mint Roach Repellent is a natural and safe way to repel roaches in Florida. This product uses peppermint oil to keep roaches away from your home, yard, and plants. It is not toxic to humans or animals, so it can be used safely around pets and children.

Mighty Mint Roach Repellent comes in a spray bottle that can be applied directly to surfaces where you see roaches. This includes walls, floors, countertops, and cabinets where they might hide during the day. The spray also works well when applied directly on exposed pipes or other areas where roaches like to hide during the day.

Home Remedies For Roach Control You Can Use Now

There are several home remedies you can use to manage roaches.

There are several home remedies for roach control that you can use. These include using essential oils, vinegar and soap spray, baking soda, instant potatoes, and homemade citrus spray.

Essential oils that repel roaches

Essential oils are natural ingredients derived from plants. They have a strong smell that may be repellent to some insects. Some of the best essential oils you can use to repel roaches include citronella oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil. You can use these essential oils to make a homemade spray to repel not only roaches, but also spiders, ants, and many other household pests.

To make an essential oil spray to repel roaches in Florida, add 15 to 20 drops of the essential oil of your choice to two cups of water in a spray bottle. Spray this mist around your home and repeat the process every two to three days for the best results.

How to use vinegar and soap spray to repel roaches

Another helpful home remedy for roach control is the use of a vinegar and soap spray. This mixture will repel these pests and keep them from entering your home.

To make this spray, you need to mix a few tablespoons of dish soap with one cup of water along with a half cup of vinegar. Add some peppermint oil if you want to make the spray smell better.

Once you have mixed all the ingredients together, spray them on any areas where you have seen roaches or think that they may be nesting. You can also spray it on baseboards and other cracks where roaches could hide from you.

How to use companion planting to repel roaches from outside

You can use plants like lavender, rosemary, and mint to repel roaches from your garden. These plants emit a strong odor that keeps them away from your home. You can also grow citronella grass, garlic, chives, and onions around your garden to repel not only roaches in Florida, but also ants, mice, and spiders.

How to use baking soda and sugar to kill roaches in Florida

You can use baking soda and sugar to kill roaches. This is a very effective home remedy that will help you get rid of the roaches in your house.

You will need:

• Baking soda
• Sugar
• 1 small cup or bowl
• 1 small plate
• Water

How to use it:

Mix together equal parts of baking soda and sugar and leave small amounts of the mixture around your home or yard, or in the back of cabinets and below sinks – anywhere you have noticed roach activity.

Leave a small flat bowl of water nearby as well. Roaches will consume the sugary mixture, and when they go to get a drink the baking soda will expand inside of them, killing them instantly.

Note: If you don’t have sugar or baking soda on hand, you can use this same method with instant potatoes.

Managing Roaches In Florida – Your Ultimate Survival Tips

Roaches can be tricky to manage, but there are tips and tricks you can use to control them.

Unfortunately, roaches in Florida are quite common, and this means they are a problem that many people face. They can be found in every corner of your home, and they multiply very quickly. If you are tired of these pests and are looking for more tips and tricks for how to manage them, we have you covered.

Take a look at our expert tips on how to manage roaches in Florida in conjunction with the above methods and products.

• Remove Excess Humidity
• Seal Cracks and Crevices
• Use Repellents Year-Round
• Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
• Store Food In Air-Tight Containers Made of Glass or Plastic
• Vacuum and Sweep Often
• Keep Doors And Windows Closed
• If You Still Can’t Seem To Get Roaches Under Control, Call The Professionals

We hope this has been a helpful guide on managing roaches in Florida. Best of luck and thanks for reading!