Cockroaches are some of Florida’s most irritating pests and as summer winds down into autumn, you can count on these creeping creatures to attempt invading your home. Like many other Florida pests, they’re in search of food and shelter for winter.
At McCall, we understand the last thing you want during the holiday season is to have cockroaches scuttling around your Tampa home’s kitchen counters or sneaking into your cabinets. That’s why you can rely on our pest professionals to send cockroaches packing.
Learn more about one of Florida’s most resilient pests below, or request a cockroach control quote today.
Types of Cockroaches in Florida
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for all cockroach species. Each kind brings different challenges, such as biting or flying short distances. However, there are still everyday habits you can develop to keep these pests at bay.
Before we go into cockroach pest control tips, it’s crucial to understand the characteristics of common cockroach species found in Florida:
German Cockroach
This Florida cockroach is characterized by its ability to lay an incredible number of eggs. Barely measuring 15 mm fully grown, you’ll find them just about everywhere: boxes, your coffee pot, the spice cabinet, etc. Nowhere is safe—this cockroach can squeeze into spaces smaller than a wall outlet. German cockroaches are also aggressive and will bite whenever they feel threatened.
American Cockroach
Known as the largest cockroach species to invade homes, American cockroaches, fortunately, prefer to stay in warm, moist areas outside, like in flower beds or mulch. However, they have a tendency to journey into your home in search of water and food. On top of their considerable size (about 50 cm as adults), both male and female American cockroaches can fly short distances.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
Unlike American cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches prefer the indoors. They will eat just about anything in sight, regardless of how conventionally edible it is. In addition to your pantry, wallpaper, nylon stockings, drapes, and more are all up for grabs. Brown-banded cockroaches typically make their way into your home when you bring in groceries or used furniture
How do I deal with cockroaches?
First, start by making sure your home is very clean. If there are crumbs on the ground, leftovers in the sink, or open containers of food in the pantry, you can expect cockroaches to find them.
Deep clean the outside of your oven where food drips or drops. Clean beneath your fridge where old juice accumulates. You should even shake out all the breadcrumbs inside your toaster. Even the tiniest bit of food could become a welcome mat for cockroaches.
Next, seal up your home. Make sure any cracks in your foundation are repaired, all torn screens are mended, and any rotted wood is filled or, even better, replaced entirely. Double-check your door sweeps and weather stripping for any compromise and replace as needed.
What should I do about flying cockroaches?
As an answer to the roaches that can fly, the best action is to prevent them from entering your home to begin with. This means keeping doors closed as much as possible when moving in and out (such as when picking up that second load of groceries from the car).
If cockroaches manage to get inside, your best choice for dealing with them is to call a pest professional. You can attempt to kill them on your own, but there’s a reason they have a reputation for being resilient.
Kick out Tampa Cockroaches with McCall Service Today
From their unpleasant appearance to the number of diseases they can spread, cockroaches are some of the most difficult pests to handle. At McCall Service, we never want you to feel like you’re dealing with a cockroach problem on your own.
When you schedule a service appointment with our team, we’ll thoroughly inspect your home and tackle your cockroach infestation for all types of cockroaches in Tampa, Tallahassee, and other areas in Florida.
You deserve peace of mind from cockroaches. Give us a call or receive your free quote online today!
