How to Identify, Prevent & Get Rid of American Cockroach Infestations in Ocala, FL
Living in the Sunshine state has many benefits. Here in Florida we live in one of the most beautiful and inviting states in the country. Part of what makes our state beautiful is the many different plants and animals that we have. Sometimes you may see an insect and have a hard time deciding exactly what type of insect it is. One bug that you may be mistaking for something else is the American cockroach. Not only are there multiple species of cockroaches that can be found in Florida, there are also other bugs that look similar to them that add to the confusion.
American Cockroach Facts
The American cockroach is one of 4,500 species of cockroaches in the world. It is the largest of the species of cockroaches that infest homes. The American cockroach is a major pest in the United States. Water bug, Bombay canary, or palmetto bug are all other common names for the American cockroach. Even though the word America is in its name, the American cockroach actually is native to Africa. It is believed that they come over from Africa on ships in the early 1600s.
Identification of Flying American Cockraoches
American cockroaches are typically reddish brown with a yellowish figure eight pattern on the back of their head. You can also recognize them because of their oval shape, antennas, and their six legs. Adult cockroaches range in size from 1 ¼ – 2 1/8 inches long. Both males and females have wings and are able to fly short distances.
American Cockroach Habitat & Diet
Overall this species of roaches prefer to live outside. They like to live in places that are damp and warm, such as underneath mulch or in flowerbeds. Sewer systems also attract cockroaches. If cockroaches cannot find food or water they will come into your home seeking comfort. If they do come into your homes they typically will stay in kitchens, basements, bathroom, and laundry rooms since they are frequently warm and humid. American cockroaches will eat leaves, tiny wood particles, fungi and algae if they are living outdoors. If they find their way inside they will eat crumbs, scraps of food, spilled food, and pet food.
Signs of American Cockroaches
If cockroaches are in your home you may notice their droppings on the ground. You may also notice a musty smell. They produce a chemical called an aggregation pheromone. This odor causes the roaches to stay together in groups. If you have a larger number of cockroaches in your home you may start to notice this musty odor in your home.
Cockroach Control & Extermination
No one wants cockroaches living in their home. If you find cockroaches you can take some measures to get rid of them. You can caulk any openings in walls and gaps near electric sockets and switch plates. Making sure that your home is clean and sanitary will also help. They need food to eat so if they can’t find any crumbs to eat they will look somewhere else for food. American cockroaches are extremely resilient bugs and can be tough to get rid of. At Pest 911 we can come and recommend a treatment plan that will work best for your house. Give us a call today!
