Cockroach Identification & Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions About Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in Florida; learn about these common household pests in this pest guide.
What are cockroaches?
Cockroaches are scavenging pests; our humid, warm climate allows these pests to flourish.
Cockroaches have flat oval bodies, long antennae, and wings (though not all species fly). Our state is home to many species, including American, brown-banded, German, and oriental cockroaches. A quick overview of each is as follows:
- American cockroaches are massive cockroaches that are capable of flight. They are reddish-brown with a yellow figure-eight-like marking behind their head.
- Brown-banded cockroaches are small roaches and are yellowish-brown to dark brown. Adults have two dark bands of color running across their wings.
- German cockroaches are the most common species of roach to discover inside human structures. They are brown and have two dark lines behind their heads that run parallel down their backs.
- Oriental cockroaches have a stout, more beetle-like appearance. They are shiny, dark, or brown and move at a slower pace than other roaches.
Having a general idea of what cockroaches in our region look like is important; however, it can be difficult to determine the exact species of a cockroach scurrying across your kitchen counter. If you suspect cockroaches have entered your home, reach out to a professional for the accurate identification and treatment of the intruder.
Are cockroaches dangerous?
The cockroach is an opportunistic pest that likes to live with people because our structures offer them easy access to their basic needs. However, sharing your home with these insects puts you and your family in danger. The most common threats they pose are listed below:
- Their shed skins, excrement, and saliva emit allergens and trigger allergic reactions.
- The pheromones cockroaches produce create foul odors.
- Cockroaches will contaminate your family's food, surfaces, dishes, utensils, and more with various human pathogens and bacteria.
- They cause property damage by chewing on or staining with excrement things like cardboard, paper, wallpaper, cabinets, and furniture.
Cockroaches are not pests you should ignore; if you spot them in your house, take immediate action.
Why do I have a cockroach problem?
When cockroaches live near human structures like our homes, it won't be long until they find their way inside, usually while foraging for food sources. Their flat bodies allow them to move into structures through any tiny opening they encounter. They also move from structure to structure by hitchhiking inside appliances, electronics, upholstered furniture, and deliveries.
A cockroach infestation can happen in any home, and once cockroaches find their way into a house, they do not hesitate to make themselves comfortable. If you find cockroaches in your house, the best solution for a cockroach problem is always professional residential pest control.
Where will I find cockroaches?
Cockroaches are scavenging pests. Whether roaches live inside or outside, they reside in areas riddled with bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites.
Outside cockroaches thrive in and around sewers, drains, animal excrement, garbage piles, trees, and gardens.
When cockroaches enter a home, they quickly find a dark daytime hiding spot near moisture and food. Common cockroach hideouts include loose wallpaper or backsplashes, cracks in walls, the backs of drawers or cabinets, and wall voids. Kitchens, bathrooms, attics, basements, and pantries are areas in homes cockroaches will inhabit.
Because cockroaches are nocturnal, it can take time for a homeowner to realize they have infiltrated their house. Regularly inspecting areas of your house where cockroaches like to gather will help you identify a problem sooner than later.
How do I get rid of cockroaches?
Partner with a professional to get rid of a current cockroach infestation or prevent future problems with cockroaches. Roaches thrive in Florida and are pests every homeowner needs to take a proactive approach to avoid.
Our quarterly pest control services with unlimited reservice visits provide peace of mind for Florida homeowners. We take pride in taking a custom approach to pest control on each property to meet each customer's needs. To learn more about the cockroach control Wildlife and Pest Control Experts offers Jacksonville homeowners, please reach out today.
How can I prevent cockroaches in the future?
Use the following tips to help keep cockroaches from infiltrating your home and becoming dangerous to you and your family.
- Repair damaged screens and weatherstripping.
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
- Keep clutter and yard debris away from the outside of your home.
- Make sure trash cans inside and outside your house have tight-fitting lids.
- Always inspect items for cockroaches before bringing them inside.
- Thoroughly clean and inspect secondhand items, especially appliances, electronics, and furniture.
Partner with Wildlife and Pest Control Experts for quality pest control to remove cockroaches and other household pests from your Jacksonville property.
For quality cockroach control in Jacksonville, reach out today!
