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Have you seen a long, brown insect scrambling on the floor only to disappear behind the wall in a fraction of a second?  If so, you may be playing hide and seek with a roach.  Unbeknownst to you, you’re probably actually playing the game with more than one roach! 

While a few species of roaches are commonly found in South Florida, there are over 70 species in the U.S.  Roaches typically range in color from brown to black and have long, flat bodies, six legs, and antennae.  Roaches have long wings although many species don’t fly.  The roaches found in South Florida often live in or around wood, cardboard, and humid environments.  Some species of cockroaches have been linked to illnesses including cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever.

South Florida Cockroaches

The most common roach species found in South Florida are the German Cockroach, American Cockroach, Smokybrown Cockroach, and Asian Cockroach.

German Cockroaches find their way into homes and buildings by riding in bags, on furniture, or in suitcases or shipping boxes.  This species is relatively small and grows to .5 inch.   German Cockroaches are usually black as nymphs and become light brown as an adult.  German Cockroaches are commonly found indoors and around warm, humid, or tropical areas and they are quite active at night.  In fact, this species loves to be around warm appliances or water sources.  When you see one of these cockroaches, there are probably many more hiding nearby.  In fact, female cockroaches lay 30-40 eggs each of the 4-6 times they reproduce. 

The American Cockroach, often referred to as the palmetto bug, grows to 3 inches in length.  This species is reddish-brown and has black markings along with yellowish circles behind the head.  These cockroaches live in warm, humid climates, are often found around water sources, and are very active at night.  American Cockroaches are not only particularly large, but they can fly.

The Smokybrown Cockroach can grow to 1.5 inches and is dark mahogany in color.  Like the German Cockroach, these pests commonly live in humid, warm climates and are active at night. Smokybrown Cockroaches tend to eat decaying matter, especially wood. 

The Asian Cockroach is dark red, dark brown or black.  While the Asian Cockroach lives in warm, moist conditions, they are usually found outside.  This species is attracted to light and is found near lights, screens, and around gardens.

To avoid playing games with these four species of cockroaches, follow our rules:

• Clean up and fix any leaky faucets or pipes
• Dispose of any bags, newspapers, and boxes
• Seal cracks and gaps in the walls and around pipes
• Clean and vacuum regularly, especially around appliances
• Store pet food in sealed containers

If you’re tired of playing games with cockroaches, contact a reputable pest control company for quick and thorough cockroach removal.  For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 954-945-5050 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Better yet, if you want a pest-free home, consider a year-round pest control plan.  Prevention is the key to pest control.  Our experienced technicians know which pests to look for, where they may be hiding, and which signs indicate they are in your home.  Most importantly, our professionals know how to effectively control a few pests before they become infestations.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Local: 954-945-5050