Thanks to its warm, humid climate, Florida is a paradise for a wide range of fascinating species, from the Florida panther and American alligator to flamingos and pelicans. There’s one species, however, that no homeowner in the Sunshine State likes to see thrive: the cockroach.
Yes, our state’s mild winters and beautiful summers may be ideal for residents and vacationers alike, but heat and humidity provide the ideal environment for countless types of cockroaches in Florida to thrive.
While these creepy, crawling critters may be a fact of life—especially in larger cities like Tampa—there’s no reason you should roll over and accept their invasion.
At Critter Control of Tampa, we believe the first step in defeating your pesky little enemies is to know them. Read on to learn about common Florida cockroaches, what attracts roaches, and how our team can send them packing for you. For immediate assistance with a cockroach issue, you contact our team online or give us a call.
Types of Cockroaches in Florida
We hate to break it to you, but there are more than 4,000 species of cockroaches in the world. Some slight reassurance for you: Florida is only home to a few of those species. Common types of cockroaches in Florida include:
- American cockroaches
- Asian cockroaches
- Australian cockroaches
- Brown-banded cockroaches
- German cockroaches
- Oriental cockroaches
- Smoky brown cockroaches
Only two of these species—German cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches—are indoor cockroach species. A cockroach is classified as an “indoor” cockroach species if it primarily survives by using homes and businesses for shelter and food.
This means the American, Asian, Oriental, and smoky brown cockroaches are more interested in living in your backyard than in your bathroom. These species can still wander into your home, especially to escape rain or cooler weather, but they won’t develop into an infestation like German or brown-banded cockroaches will.
What do Florida cockroaches look like?
Ask the average Florida homeowner what the various types of cockroaches in Florida look like, and you may get a shrug and a simple (but accurate) answer of “disgusting.” As local pest control professionals, however, we’re here to provide a more thorough answer to that question.
American Cockroaches
Also known as Florida Palmetto Bugs, American cockroaches are probably the most startling cockroach species to stumble upon in your home. Measuring more than two inches in length, these rusty red-brown cockroaches are the largest of the common cockroach species in the Sunshine State. They also have wings, which they can use to travel short distances. Keep that in mind when you’re trying to smack one with a flip-flop.
Asian and German Cockroaches
We’ve grouped these two species together based on their similar appearance. Asian cockroaches have slighter longer wings than German cockroaches, but they’re both relatively small and pale to medium brown, with two dark parallel lines on their backs.
Australian Cockroaches
Dark reddish-brown in color, Australian cockroaches resemble their larger counterparts from the States, the Florida Palmetto Bug. They also have some yellow spots on their heads (but who wants to get close enough to check for those?).
Brown-Banded Cockroaches
True to their name, brown-banded cockroaches are brown with dark bands that run perpendicularly across their backs. They’re smaller than other cockroach species, measuring less than half an inch, and they are incredibly fond of clamoring around kitchen pantries, behind picture frames, and in other higher locations away from water.
Oriental Cockroaches
Also known as water bugs or black beetle cockroaches, oriental cockroaches are in fact dark brown or black, with smooth, shiny bodies. They measure about an inch in length and prefer dark, damp areas around homes and the outdoors.
Smoky Brown Cockroaches
Smoky brown cockroaches have a unique coloring on the tips of their wings and abdomens. While they’re primarily dark brown around their heads and bodies, this dark color fades to a lighter amber-brown color toward the lower halves of their bodies.
What attracts roaches?
Florida cockroaches need two things to survive: shelter and food. Some outdoor cockroach species, such as Florida Palmetto Bug, may just stop inside your home for a quick bite of your dry food goods, but others, especially German cockroaches, are looking for a permanent spot to call their own.
Cockroaches are attracted to dark, damp areas where they can quickly reproduce. They are also attracted to easily accessible food sources, such as dirty dishes in sinks, poorly sealed trash cans, and food storage they can chew their way into. Common food storage targeted by cockroaches includes cereal boxes, soft plastic food packaging, and containers with loose-fitting lids.
How can I deal with Florida cockroaches?
The best way to deal with cockroaches in Florida is to bring in pest control experts you can count on. At Critter Control of Tampa, we won’t rest until we’ve tackled the cockroach issue in your home. Even if you’re not currently dealing with cockroaches, we have the tools, knowledge, and expertise you need to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.
Stamp Out Florida Cockroaches With Critter Control of Tampa
Ready to roll out the “unwelcome mat” for Florida cockroaches? Contact Critter Control of Tampa and schedule your free inspection today! We’ll work with you to address cockroaches in your house and help you achieve the peace of mind you deserve.
