Cockroach Identification & Prevention

American cockroaches, especially in Florida, can live outside very successfully. However, there are several reasons why they will enter and become a problem inside our homes. More often than not, they move into our homes by the lure of food odors or to escape weather extremes. American cockroaches also regularly get into our homes by hitchhiking in potted plants or anything else that has been outside and moved indoors.

German cockroaches have adapted to living indoors with people and primarily live inside structures like homes, businesses, and anywhere else food is stored or prepared. German cockroaches move from structure to structure by hitchhiking in deliveries, furniture, appliances, electronics, storage boxes, and food storage containers. In multi-unit buildings, they move from unit to unit through vents, gaps under doors, and along pipes or wires.

Where Will I Find Cockroaches?

American cockroaches are often called "palmetto bugs" because they like to hang out behind the bark of palmetto trees. They also congregate under leaf piles, woodpiles, and mulch. Inside our houses, both American and German cockroaches like to congregate in warm, damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and utility rooms.

They are nocturnal and, during the day, squeeze their bodies into tight spaces to keep themselves out of sight. Places you should inspect for hiding cockroaches include cracks in walls, spaces behind baseboards, loose wallpaper, and the backs of cabinets and drawers. Storage boxes, clutter, and food storage containers are other places these pests infest.

People routinely discover an issue with cockroaches after turning on a light in the middle of the night and witnessing them scurry back to their hideouts. If you see them during the day, there is likely a large cockroach infestation and a lot of food competition. If you suspect cockroaches in your home, immediately contact us.