Florida Wood Cockroach Infestation in Summerfield, FL; Habitat, Prevention, Control & More

Florida Woods Cockroaches are among the common species of cockroaches in Florida. They have a distinguishing physical feature, and that is immense size. These cockroaches range from 1.2 and 1.6 inches long and 1 inch wide. They are typically black in color but can come in variations of reddish-brown. Florida woods cockroaches have additional characteristics that make them more discernible. One is their lifespan. In comparison to other roaches, they live a bit longer, which is on average, over a year. Another is that they do not scatter like other roach species, largely due to the fact that they are slow, large, and flightless in addition to their unique defense mechanism. We at Pest 911 would like to further relate some basics about Florida Woods Cockroaches.

Florida Stink or Skunk Roach

Secreting a defensive chemical from a gland found underneath the abdomen, the Florida woods cockroach can only spray about once every 30 days. The skin and eyes are affected by this oily secretion that also has intense odors. Though humans are offended by the smell, the spray is very effective to their natural predators that include rodents and other pests. Other Florida woods roaches will react the secretion as they perceive it as an alarm and run from the danger. As a result of the notorious foul-smelling secretions, they are commonly referred to as the Florida stink roach or skunk roach.

Florida Wood Cockroach Habitat

These roaches are native to the Southeastern region of the United States. Though they tend to stick to the outdoors, particularly in areas around homes and businesses, they will easily intrude in to buildings if the conditions are ideal. They are found in a few other states but are mostly prevalent to Florida. Their preferred diet includes feasting on decomposing and decaying plant matter. With this fact, they tend to be drawn outdoors. However, any home that has plants and/or firewood, they will make themselves at home. Florida woods cockroaches are drawn to humid, damp and dark environments, another fact that tends to keep them outdoors. Outdoors, they are found around homes, hiding within the compost piles, greenhouses and sheds. You can also find the Florida woods cockroach under shrubs, in tree stumps, among decaying leaves and of course, on palmetto trees. Their favorite food sources moss, mold, lichens, bark and leaves.

Florida Wood Cockroach Prevention

They will enter homes and stick around if they find an edible food source, as well as dark and humid areas. Otherwise, they will find their way back outside. Ongoing infestations are rare because outdoor roaches don’t usually thrive indoors. In most cases, if you find one of these roaches, removing it from the home should be adequate. To help keep them further from your home to avoid any potential intrusions, apply the following steps:
1) Adjacent to your home, do not use ground covers or heavy vegetation in landscaping beds.
2) Reduce the food sources such as plants, trees, leaves, in close proximity to your home.
3) Store any firewood 20 feet from the home if possible and 18 inches above the ground.
4) Ensure you have tight-fitted, quality screens on all the windows.
5) Sean any cracks or holes in the exterior walls.

Cockroach Extermination

Call Pest 911 today and let our professionals provide pest control maintenance in and around your property to prevent any cockroach infestation. Call us today!