Cockroach Identification & Prevention

The two most common types of cockroaches to enter Cape Coral homes are American cockroaches (one of the species sometimes referred to as "palmetto bugs") and German cockroaches. Some helpful facts to know about the two species:

• The American cockroach is the largest cockroach to invade structures in the United States, while the German cockroach is one of the smallest. 
• American cockroaches can fly, while German cockroaches prefer to use their six legs to scurry from place to place. 
• German cockroaches have tan bodies with two dark parallel lines behind their head.
• American cockroaches are reddish brown with a yellowish figure-eight-like marking on the top of their head. 

Cockroaches, as a group, are ancient pests that have survived for millions of years. They are hearty, adaptable insects that are extremely difficult to keep out of our homes and businesses. While most cockroach species live outside, away from people, a small fraction have learned to take advantage of the food, water, and shelter our properties offer. Reach out to us today for pest and lawn care services in Cape Coral!

Cockroaches pose significant health risks like spreading bacteria, human pathogens, and parasites. They are also a trigger for allergies and asthma attacks. Sharing your home with cockroaches puts you and your family in harm’s way.

These pests pose more than health problems when inside our Cape Coral homes; they contaminate food and surfaces, stain surfaces with their excrement, and produce foul odors. Additionally, cockroaches are scavengers and eat almost anything. Their feeding habits cause them to create holes or damage upholstery, clothing, wallpaper, boxes, books, and other items you have stored within your home.

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.

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.

To get rid of cockroaches in your home or yard and prevent future issues, partner with us at Coastal Lawn and Pest. Our professionals will work with you to find and eliminate unwanted pests in or around your home using state-of-the-art pest control treatments.

We are a local pest control company that is dedicated to our community. Our professionals understand how frustrating and dangerous it is to share your home with cockroaches. We will act quickly to get these unwanted pests out of your home and away from your family. Let us help you maintain a home that is free of the pests that call Florida home. Reach out now to learn about home pest control and lawn care in Cape Coral.

The following tips will help you maintain your home and prevent problems with cockroaches:

• Maintain a clean kitchen and quickly wipe up food and drink spills.
• Regularly vacuum your home and wash dirty dishes.
• Keep tight-fitting lids on all trashcans.
• Fix ripped or torn screens in doors and windows.
• Store your family’s and pets' food in sealed containers or the fridge.
• Eliminate entry points by repairing cracks in the foundation, damaged weatherstripping, and screens.

For a professional lawn care or pest control, call Coastal Lawn and Pest today.