Cockroaches

Identifying Cockroaches

Around the world, scientists have identified more than 4,000 species of cockroaches. Nevertheless, only 30 are associated with human dwellings. Of those 30, five are commonly found in Miami and nearby cities. Before you can tackle the problem at hand, you need to find out which species you have in your home. Once you’ve done that, you’ll know why the roaches are in your home and you’ll have a better idea of how to get rid of them. Each species is unique in numerous ways. For instance, their behaviors, diets, and appearances will differ.

It is pertinent to identify the species so you can find out how to tackle the problem precisely. All cockroaches begin life as eggs so baby cockroaches are smaller than adults. Below, you will learn more about some of the most common cockroach species in Florida.

What Species Of Cockroaches Are Found In Miami?

In our service area, numerous cockroach species can enter your home. However, you’ll most likely encounter German or American cockroaches. In the section below, you will learn more about both species.

German Cockroaches

Most adult German cockroaches are 5/8” o shorter in length, and they tend to be light-brown or tan. One thing that sets this species apart is the fact that it will have racing stripes behind its head. When dealing with German cockroaches, you’ll need to act quickly because they’re prolific breeders. A female German roach can easily produce five egg capsules during her life. Each capsule will contain 30 to 40 eggs. If they’ve found a way inside, they’re going to live near your appliances. Although they have developed wings, they are not going to fly.

American Cockroaches

American cockroaches are larger than others with some reaching up to 2 inches in length. They are reddish-brown, but they’ll have a light area around their dark center. The American cockroach is the largest common roach. These roaches can fly. American cockroaches are one of the longest living roaches in the world with it requiring two years for the roach to mature. In addition to this, it will live for another year or so after it has matured. Remember that American cockroaches are not going to infest your home overnight.

Instead, they tend to stay close to broken sewer pipes.

If you live in Miami, there is a risk that you’re going to encounter Mediterranean Spotted Cockroaches, Oriental Cockroaches, Surinam Cockroaches, Brown-Banded Cockroaches, and Pennsylvania Wood Cockroaches.

Pennsylvania Wood Roaches

Male Pennsylvania Wood roaches look remarkably different than female roaches of this species. Males are much longer with some growing over 1 inch in length, but females only grow up to ¾ of an inch. Although this roach is native to the Eastern United States, it normally isn’t a pest and it won’t reproduce inside. Pennsylvania wood cockroaches are attracted to light, woodpiles, wood shingles, wood siding, and backed-up gutters.

Spotted Mediterranean Cockroaches

The Spotted Mediterranean Cockroach is one of the smallest with most reaching 1/3 of an inch. They’re light tan with a few dark speckles. This species of cockroach came from Europe and has been growing in the United States rapidly. They can be found in Miami, but they’re not as common as the others. Thankfully, this cockroach doesn’t usually enter homes.

Oriental Cockroaches

Oriental cockroaches reach up to 1 and ¼ of an inch, and they’re dark brown or black. Females do not develop wings, but males do. A male oriental cockroach’s wings can cover three-quarters of its body. In Miami, these cockroaches share many traits with American cockroaches since they’re attracted to sewers. These roaches are cold-hardy so they can easily live outside. When they do, you’ll find them near garbage, decaying organic matter, and feces.

Smokeybrown Cockroaches

These cockroaches sometimes reach up to an inch and a half in length. In terms of color, they’re reddish-brown and shiny. These cockroaches are frequently found in the Southern portion of the United States. They can travel in shipping packages and reach other states.

Surinam Cockroaches

These roaches are small with fewer reaching three-quarters of an inch. They’re unique because they have a dark plate behind their head, and their wings are light-tan. They live in warmer climates. In the north, you won’t find these cockroaches outside. If they are outside, they’ll be found in greenhouses with plants. One unique thing about Surinam cockroaches is that they’re all female.

Brown-Banded Cockroaches

Adult brown-banded cockroaches are usually half an inch in length and tan or light brown. Due to their size and appearance, people have often mistaken them for German cockroaches. The only difference is that they do not have racing stripes. Although uncommon in Miami, these species may enter residential dwellings.

What Causes Cockroaches?

Why do you have cockroaches in your home? Ultimately, you won’t know until you’ve found out what species you’re dealing with. Some roaches are near your home because there is a broken sewer pipe nearby. Other roaches are going to enter your home because you haven’t been keeping it clean enough. Remember that cockroaches can breed rapidly so you’ll need to get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Are Roaches Dangerous?

Cockroaches can present health risks to humans. With that being said, you need to take steps to remove them from your home as quickly as possible. If you have a larger infestation, the danger is significantly higher. If you have a small infestation, it will likely grow swiftly. They don’t sting or bite, but they will pose risks. You have to worry that cockroaches are going to spread illnesses to you and your loved ones. They can carry and transmit salmonella. Furthermore, cockroaches can cause problems for people with asthma.

Some cockroaches thrive in human waste and trash. If they contaminate your food, you may develop food poisoning, dysentery, and diarrhea.

Getting Rid Of Roaches

When cockroaches have entered your home, working quickly to get rid of them is pertinent. Roaches are dangerous and the problem is quickly going to spiral out of control. You may be eager to use DIY solutions to tackle this problem, but this is not a good idea. Instead, you should hire a professional. With our assistance, we’ll be able to help you tackle this problem quickly and precisely. We know how to use safer solutions to fix this problem.

When Can You Begin?

Our company is eager to help you fix this problem promptly. After you’ve called us, our exterminator should be able to reach your home in 24 to 48 hours.

Is Your Cockroach Treatments Safe?

We believe in providing our clients with safe solutions to the problems they’re facing. When you work with us, you can sleep soundly knowing we’re going to protect you during the extermination process. We’ll use EPA-registered products, and we’ll use non-toxic methods whenever possible. If you’re worried, you should talk to one of our friendly exterminators. They’ll teach you more about our services so you can put your mind at ease. Either way, we’ll do everything we can to keep everyone safe.

Preventing Cockroach Infestations

Preventing cockroaches from entering your home is highly recommended. Preventing them is easier than removing them from your home. You need to keep your home clean and dry. As soon as you spot cockroaches in your home, call us. Don’t wait because the problem is only going to worsen.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.