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Cockroaches During the Holidays: Why Activity Increases and How to Keep Your Home Pest-Free

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsGeneral Household PestsTagged Cockroach exterminator near me, Cockroaches, Pest Control

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, decorations, and warm celebrations. But while we prepare our homes for guests and good memories, one uninvited visitor is also preparing to take advantage of the season: cockroaches. Whether it’s the American cockroach, German cockroach, or other species, these pests become more active during the holidays—and their presence can quickly turn a joyful celebration into a stressful and unsanitary situation.

In this blog, we’ll dive into why cockroaches become a bigger problem during the holidays, how they impact homes and health, and the best ways to prevent these pests from disrupting your celebrations.

Why Cockroaches Thrive During the Holiday Season

While cockroaches are a year-round nuisance, several factors make the holiday season especially appealing to them. Understanding these seasonal triggers can help homeowners stay one step ahead.

1. Cold Weather Drives Them Indoors

As temperatures drop, cockroaches seek warmth and shelter. Homes become an ideal refuge because they provide everything roaches need: heat, food, water, and dark hiding spots. When winter arrives, cockroaches are more determined to move inside, which increases sightings during the holiday months.

2. Increased Food Preparation

The holidays mean cooking—lots of it. From Christmas dinners to holiday baking, kitchens become busier than usual. This means:

More food crumbs
More dirty dishes
More spills
More leftovers improperly stored

Even the smallest crumb or sticky spot can attract cockroaches. The extra food activity makes kitchens a hotspot for infestations during this time.

3. Clutter and Storage

Decorations come out of boxes that have been sitting unused for months in garages, attics, or storage rooms—places cockroaches thrive in. These boxes can unknowingly harbor roaches, eggs, or droppings.

Bringing these items indoors creates an accidental pathway for pests.

4. Guests and Holiday Travel

During the holidays, people travel more and visit family. Luggage, grocery bags, and even coats can unknowingly transport cockroaches from one place to another. The movement of people and items increases the chances of spreading pests.

5. Trash and Leftovers Accumulate

Holiday parties often generate more trash—plates, napkins, food scraps, and packaging. Overflowing bins or bags left overnight give cockroaches easy access to food sources.

How Cockroaches Impact Your Holidays

Cockroaches aren’t just a nuisance—they pose real threats to comfort, sanitation, and health. Here’s how they can disrupt your holiday celebrations.

1. They Spread Germs and Contaminate Food

Cockroaches crawl through sewers, drains, garbage, and other filthy areas before entering your home. When they walk across countertops, utensils, or holiday food, they spread bacteria such as:

Salmonella
Staphylococcus
E. coli
Pathogens linked to food poisoning

A single roach can contaminate multiple surfaces, putting your family and guests at risk.

2. They Produce a Strong, Musty Odor

Cockroaches release pheromones that create a musty, unpleasant smell—especially in large numbers. This odor can be noticeable in kitchens, cabinets, holiday storage boxes, and pantries. Not exactly the scent you want during holiday gatherings.

3. They Trigger Allergies and Asthma

Cockroach droppings, saliva, and shed skin can worsen allergies and asthma. During the holidays, when homes are closed tightly to retain heat, indoor air quality can suffer. Children and sensitive individuals may experience:

Sneezing
Coughing
Skin rashes
Breathing difficulties

4. Holiday Embarrassment

One of the biggest non-health-related effects? Embarrassment. Seeing a cockroach run across the living room floor during a holiday party is something no homeowner wants to experience. Guest impressions matter, and pests can make your home seem unsanitary even when you clean regularly.

5. Damage to Holiday Decorations and Stored Items

Cockroaches chew through cardboard, paper, glue, and even fabric. They can damage:

Gift wrapping materials
Stored holiday decor
Cardboard storage boxes
Electrical wiring inside decorations

When pests infest storage areas, holiday items can become contaminated or ruined.

Common Holiday Mistakes That Invite Cockroaches

Even well-maintained homes unknowingly create opportunities for pests during the holidays. Some of the most common mistakes include:

Leaving baked goods uncovered on countertops
Storing cookies or snacks in non-sealed containers
Forgetting to clean under appliances after cooking
Letting dishes pile up during busy days
Keeping garbage bags indoors too long
Bringing in cardboard boxes that have been in storage
Leaving pet food accessible overnight

Even a few of these habits can significantly increase cockroach activity.

How to Prevent Cockroaches During the Holidays

Now that we know why holiday cockroach activity increases, here are effective ways to keep these pests out.

1. Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Dry

Since the kitchen is the heart of holiday preparations, it must be maintained:

Clean spills immediately
Sweep after cooking or baking
Don’t leave dishes overnight
Store leftovers in airtight containers
Wipe countertops daily
Keep appliances clean (microwave, stove, fridge seals)
Removing food and moisture is the most important step.

2. Manage Food Waste Properly

Holiday trash fills up quickly. To avoid attracting cockroaches:

Take out garbage daily
Use sealed trash bins
Rinse bottles and cans before disposing
Avoid keeping full trash bags inside overnight

3. Inspect and Clean Holiday Decorations

Before bringing holiday items inside:

Shake out bags and boxes
Inspect for droppings, insect skins, or live roaches
Wipe down items with a clean cloth
Replace cardboard boxes with plastic bins

4. Seal Entry Points

Cockroaches can squeeze through tiny openings. Seal cracks and gaps around:

Doors
Windows
Pipes
Cabinets
Electrical outlets

Weatherstripping and caulking can significantly reduce entry points.

5. Fix Moisture Issues

Cockroaches love damp areas. Check:

Leaky pipes
Under sinks
Laundry rooms
Refrigerator drip trays

Use a dehumidifier in moisture-prone areas.

6. Store Food Properly

Whether it’s Christmas ham, cookies, or candy:

Use sealed containers
Avoid leaving food on the counter
Clean crumbs around food storage areas

7. Hire Professional Pest Control

If cockroaches are already visible during the holidays, an infestation may be bigger than it appears. Professional pest technicians can:

Identify the species
Treat the infestation
Prevent re-entry
Eliminate breeding sites

This ensures a clean, safe, and festive home.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Cockroaches Steal Your Holiday Cheer

The holidays are a time for joy—not pests. But due to cold weather, increased food handling, clutter, and storage, cockroach activity spikes during this season. These pests can contaminate food, trigger allergies, damage belongings, and disrupt holiday gatherings.

By practicing good sanitation, managing food waste, securing storage areas, and sealing entry points, you can significantly reduce the risk of a holiday cockroach invasion. And if roaches are already showing up, professional pest control is the quickest way to ensure peace of mind.

With the right steps, you can keep your home warm, festive, and—most importantly—pest-free all season long.

Contact FL Termite & Pest Experts to schedule an inspection now! 727.785.2552

American vs. German Cockroaches in Florida: What Homeowners Need to Know

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsGeneral Household PestsTagged American cockroach Florida, Cockroach exterminator near me, Roach prevention tips

Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise not just for beachgoers—but also for cockroaches. Two of the most common species found in homes and businesses across the Sunshine State are the American cockroach and the German cockroach. While they may seem similar at first glance, these pests differ significantly in appearance, behavior, habitat, and the threat they pose to your property.

Understanding these differences is key to effective pest control. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about American and German cockroaches in Florida, including how to identify them, where they hide, and how to get rid of them for good.

Physical Differences: Size, Color, and Features

German Cockroach

Size: About ½ inch long
Color: Light brown or tan with two dark parallel stripes on the thorax
Wings: Present but rarely used for flight
Speed: Fast runners, especially in warm environments

American Cockroach

Size: 1.5 to 2 inches long—Florida’s largest home-invading roach
Color: Reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern behind the head
Wings: Fully developed and capable of flight
Nickname: Often mistaken for the “Palmetto bug” due to its size and appearance

The size difference alone makes identification easier. If you spot a large, reddish roach flying across your garage or patio, it’s likely an American cockroach. Smaller, scurrying roaches in your kitchen? Probably German.

Habitat Preferences in Florida Homes

German Cockroach

German cockroaches are indoor specialists. They thrive in:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Laundry rooms
Behind appliances and inside cabinets

They prefer warm, humid environments with easy access to food and water. In Florida, they’re often introduced via grocery bags, cardboard boxes, or secondhand appliances.

American Cockroach

American cockroaches are more versatile and often invade from outdoors. They’re commonly found in:

Basements
Crawl spaces
Sewer systems
Utility rooms
Outdoor sheds and garages

Because Florida’s climate is ideal for their survival, American roaches often live outside and enter homes through cracks, drains, or poorly sealed doors.

Reproduction and Infestation Risk

German Cockroach

Reproduction Rate: Extremely fast
Egg Capsules: Up to 40 eggs per capsule
Lifecycle: Rapid development from egg to adult
Infestation Risk: High—can multiply into thousands within months

German cockroaches are notorious for their ability to infest quickly. A single female can produce hundreds of offspring in her lifetime, making early detection and treatment critical.

American Cockroach

Reproduction Rate: Slower
Egg Capsules: About 15 eggs per capsule
Lifecycle: Longer development cycle
Infestation Risk: Moderate—less explosive growth but still persistent

While American cockroaches don’t reproduce as rapidly, their size and ability to fly make them more intimidating to homeowners. They’re also harder to eliminate once they’ve established themselves in hidden, damp areas.

Health Risks and Sanitation Concerns

Both species pose serious health risks:

Spread bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli
Trigger allergies and asthma, especially in children
Contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and shed skin

German cockroaches are particularly problematic in kitchens, where they can contaminate utensils, countertops, and stored food. American cockroaches, often found in sewers and drains, can carry pathogens from unsanitary environments into your home.

How to Spot an Infestation

Signs of German Cockroach Infestation

Droppings that resemble black pepper
Musty odor in confined spaces
Egg capsules (oothecae) in hidden areas
Frequent sightings in kitchens or bathrooms

Signs of American Cockroach Infestation

Large roaches seen in basements or garages
Flying roaches startled by light
Shed skins near drains or utility areas
Entry points near plumbing or outdoor vents

Prevention Tips for Florida Homes

Whether you’re dealing with German or American cockroaches, prevention is key. Here’s how to keep both species at bay:

General Prevention

Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations
Fix leaky pipes and eliminate standing water
Store food in airtight containers
Empty trash regularly and keep bins sealed
Clean behind appliances and under sinks

Specific to German Cockroaches

Inspect grocery bags and boxes before bringing them inside
Avoid clutter in kitchen cabinets
Use bait stations in high-risk areas

Specific to American Cockroaches

Install drain covers and seal utility openings
Keep outdoor areas clean and dry
Trim vegetation near the home’s foundation

Treatment Options: DIY vs. Professional Help

DIY Methods

While DIY methods can help with small infestations, they often fall short when dealing with German cockroach colonies or American roaches hiding in hard-to-reach places.

Professional Pest Control

A licensed pest control service offers:

Accurate species identification
Targeted treatment plans
Safe and effective chemical applications
Ongoing monitoring and prevention

In Florida, where cockroach activity is year-round, professional intervention is often the most reliable solution—especially for homes with children, pets, or recurring infestations.

Why Florida Homes Are Especially Vulnerable

Florida’s subtropical climate creates ideal conditions for cockroach survival:

High humidity
Warm temperatures year-round
Abundant food and water sources

Urban areas like Tampa, Orlando, and Miami see frequent infestations due to dense housing, older infrastructure, and sewer-connected buildings. Even newer homes aren’t immune—especially if they’re near wooded areas or lakes.

Final Thoughts: Know Your Roach, Win the Battle

Understanding the differences between American and German cockroaches is the first step toward protecting your Florida home. While both species are unwelcome guests, they require different strategies for detection, prevention, and elimination.

If you’re seeing signs of cockroach activity—or just want peace of mind—don’t wait. Contact a trusted pest control provider for a customized inspection and treatment plan.

Ready to kick roaches to the curb?

Call FL Termite & Pest Experts today for a free quote at 727.785.2552.

The Effects of Flooding in Florida and the Threat of Subterranean Termites

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsWood Destroying OrganismsTagged subterranean termites

Florida is no stranger to flooding. From heavy rainfall during hurricane season to tropical storms and rising sea levels, the Sunshine State frequently experiences significant water events. While the immediate consequences of flooding are often well-documented—property damage, loss of life, and disrupted communities—there are longer-term effects that deserve attention, particularly the impact on pest populations, including subterranean termites.

Understanding Florida’s Flooding Patterns

Florida’s unique geography makes it particularly susceptible to flooding. The state has vast wetlands, coastal areas, and a high water table in many regions, which can exacerbate flooding conditions. With climate change leading to more intense storms and rising sea levels, the frequency and severity of flooding are likely to increase.

Flooding can occur in several ways, including:

Heavy Rainfall: Seasonal downpours can overwhelm drainage systems.
Storm Surges: Hurricanes can push seawater inland, inundating coastal communities.
River Flooding: Overflowing rivers from prolonged rains can lead to significant water damage.

The immediate aftermath of flooding often includes emergency response efforts, but the secondary effects can linger long after the waters recede.

Immediate Impacts of Flooding

The immediate aftermath of flooding can be catastrophic. Homes and businesses can suffer severe damage, leading to financial losses and displacement of residents. Infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities, can also be compromised. Public health risks increase as floodwaters can contaminate drinking water supplies, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Additionally, the psychological toll on residents can be profound, with stress and anxiety often manifesting long after the physical damage has been repaired. The combination of financial strain and emotional distress can create long-term challenges for affected communities.

Long-Term Consequences of Flooding

One of the often-overlooked consequences of flooding is its impact on pest populations, particularly subterranean termites. These insects thrive in moist environments, and the conditions created by flooding can facilitate their proliferation.

Subterranean Termites: An Overview

Subterranean termites are among the most destructive pests that can invade homes. They live in colonies underground and can cause significant structural damage to wood and other cellulose-based materials. Florida’s warm and humid climate is ideal for termite activity, making it a prime target for these pests.

How Flooding Promotes Termite Infestations

Increased Moisture Levels: Flooding saturates the soil and creates an ideal breeding ground for termites. The excess moisture can lead to increased colony growth and expansion.
Wood Damage: Floodwaters can damage wooden structures, making them more susceptible to termite infestations. As wood decays due to water exposure, it becomes an attractive target for termites, which can exploit these weakened materials.
Disruption of Natural Barriers: Flooding can disrupt existing barriers that may have been in place to prevent termite access to homes. This includes physical barriers like metal or concrete as well as chemical treatments that may wash away in floodwaters.
Migration: When floodwaters force termites out of their natural habitats, they may seek new locations, including homes and businesses. This migration can lead to increased infestations in previously unaffected areas.

Signs of Termite Infestation

After a flood, homeowners should be vigilant for signs of subterranean termite activity. Common indicators include:

Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites often build mud tubes to travel between their nests and food sources. These tubes are typically found along foundation walls or in crawl spaces.
Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood, peeling paint, or visible tunnels in wooden structures can signal a termite infestation.

Preventive Measures

Given the heightened risk of termite infestations following flooding, homeowners should take proactive steps to mitigate potential damage:

Post-Flood Inspection: After a flood event, conduct a thorough inspection of the property, focusing on the foundation, crawl spaces, and any wooden structures.
Repair Water Damage: Address any water damage promptly. Replace damaged wood and ensure that any lingering moisture issues are resolved.
Maintain Proper Drainage: Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from the home’s foundation. This can help prevent water pooling and reduce the likelihood of termite attraction.
Consider Professional Treatment: If you suspect termite activity, consult with FL Termite & Pest Experts. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatments, including barriers or baiting systems.
Landscaping Considerations: Avoid planting trees or shrubs too close to the foundation, as this can provide termites with an easy entry point. Instead, maintain a clear zone around the foundation.

Conclusion

The effects of flooding in Florida extend far beyond the immediate physical damage. The long-term consequences, particularly concerning pest populations like subterranean termites, require careful attention. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, it’s crucial for homeowners and communities to prepare for both the direct and indirect impacts of flooding.

By understanding the risks and taking proactive measures, Floridians can protect their homes and ensure the safety and stability of their communities in the face of rising water levels and increasing storm intensity. Awareness, education, and prompt action are key to mitigating the dual threats of flooding and pest infestations in the Sunshine State.

Call FL Termite & Pest Experts at (727) 785-2552 to learn how to protect your home or business from costly subterranean termite damage.

Why Do Termites Lose Their Wings?

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsWood Destroying Organisms

Termites lose their wings for various reasons, primarily related to their reproductive cycle. After forming a new colony, termite swarmers, also known as alates, shed their wings as they no longer need them for mating. Once they find a suitable mate and establish a new colony, their wings become a hindrance as they begin to build tunnels and care for their offspring.

This process of wing shedding is crucial for the termite population to thrive and expand. By discarding their wings, they can focus on the essential tasks of foraging for food, caring for the queen, and protecting the colony from predators. This adaptation ensures the survival of the species and the success of their colonies.

Statistics show that a large percentage of termite swarmers lose their wings shortly after mating, indicating the importance of this behavior in their life cycle. This shedding of wings also helps to regulate the termite population within a colony, preventing overcrowding and ensuring that resources are efficiently utilized.

In conclusion, the act of termites losing their wings is a natural and essential part of their reproductive process. It enables them to establish new colonies, care for their offspring, and ensure the overall success of their species.

Call FL Termite & Pest Experts at 727.785.2552 to schedule an inspection and to learn how to protect your home from termites with our tentless (no tent) treatment and in-ground bait system technology.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsWood Destroying OrganismsTagged subterranean termites, Termites

Subterranean termites are among the most destructive pests in the world. These tiny insects can cause significant damage to your home’s structure, and infestations must be taken care of quickly to avoid even more costly repairs.

Termite control and treatment options vary depending on the extent of the infestation. Still, professional pest control companies have several effective treatments to ensure your home is free from these unwanted pests.

Subterranean termites are commonly found in Florida and the southern United States. They live underground and feed on the cellulose in wood, which can be challenging to detect. To ensure that your home is protected from these pests, it’s essential to know what signs to look for when you suspect subterranean termite damage.

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the United States. They are subterranean because they live below ground in the soil. They obtain their moisture from the soil, and feed on dead plants or wood. Subterranean termites can destroy wood framing in homes and other structures, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage.

They’re insects that live in the soil but come up to feed on wood. They’re attracted to moisture, and they can slowly damage the wood over a long time. They’re often called “mud” or “shelter” termites because they’ll protect themselves in mud tubes, hollow logs, or other underground spaces.

Subterranean termites are also known as “white-footed” because they produce a white substance (exudate) visible on their bodies or wings. This exudate has been hypothesized to have a chemical function that suppresses the growth of molds in their environment. Still, recent research suggests that it is primarily used for colony-mate recognition.

What are the signs of subterranean termites?

1) Swarmers

A swarm is the best-known sign of a subterranean termite infestation. When weather conditions are warm, termites leave their colony looking for a new home at night. This can sometimes happen during the day instead of at night. The swarm usually consists of winged termites, but some swarms contain wingless ones.

The subterranean termite queen starts a new colony each spring when she leaves her nest site, accompanied by about 3,000 workers (termites) and several hundred winged reproductive males and females. The swarmers are attracted to lights and may be seen on porches and patios at night during warm months (especially May and June), searching for a suitable nest site.

2) Mud tubes in foundation walls or floors

Mud tubes are another sign that subterranean termites are in your home. These tubes connect the soil with your home’s foundation or wooden supports like decks and porches. You can find mud tubes within 6 inches of the ground on your home’s exterior walls, floors, or foundations. These tubes allow the termites to move freely between their nest and your home, making it easy for them to do damage.

3) Piles of wings

You may find piles of termite wings around your home. These are the shed wings of adult termites as they emerge from the colony to mate. You may also notice swarmers and their shed wings in places such as windowsills, sinks, and light fixtures. Swarmers are white insects with two pincer-like projections at the end of their abdomen (referred to as “wings” by most homeowners). Termite swarmers are attracted to light, so be sure to check window sills, under potted plants, etc., frequently.

4) Termite droppings

Termite droppings are the most common evidence of their presence and are often referred to as “frass.” Formosan termite’s frass is very distinctive from subterranean termite frass. Subterranean termite frass is uniform in size, color, and texture. It looks like tiny pellets or spheres and is brown to tan in color. Formosan termite frass is coarse and dark, resembling finely ground pepper.

Sometimes dry wood termites will leave similar-looking but more enormous piles of fecal pellets near their galleries. These pellets are brown and have a shiny appearance. Drywood termites do not eat structural wood-like subterranean termites do. The droppings left by dry wood termites are much larger than those left by subterranean termites.

5) Wood that sounds hollow

A hollow sound to wood that should resonate when tapped signifies a termite infestation. Termites eat the wood and leave behind tunnels that look like paper. As the wood decays, it becomes hollow and fragile. The easiest way to identify a termite infestation is by tapping on any wooden objects in your home. If you hear an open sound when you tap, it could indicate termite activity.

6) Strange wall sounds

Termites eat through wood, which means everything you build is at risk of being eaten away by the pests. Termites can make strange noises as they chew their way through the wood in your walls. When they’re gnawing away, they tend to make clicking sounds. While they move around, they tend to make tapping or scratching sounds. If you hear these sounds in your walls or foundation, you should consider calling a professional pest control company specializing in termite control.

Call FL Termite & Pest Experts at (727) 785-2552, to inspect your home for termite infestation.

What Are Bed Bugs?

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsBiting Insects

What are bed bugs?

Bed bugs are oval shaped and only grow to about 3/16th of an inch in length. Prior to feeding, they are brown and flat. After feeding, bed bugs become more red in color, swollen, and elongated. Bed bugs have 6 legs and 2 antennae. Bed bugs do not have wings and cannot fly. Adult bed bugs are visible to the human eye and can be detected by sight, especially within mattress seams and box springs. Bed bug nymphs can be harder to identify, as they are smaller in size and pale in color.

Bed bugs feed only on blood and must have regular blood meals to survive and develop. Humans are not bed bug only targets, they also will attack many warm-blooded animals, including poultry and other birds.

Bed bugs are typically found in virtually every place people tend to gather, including residences, hotels, schools, offices, retail stores and even public transportation. Bed bugs are great “hitchhikers,” allowing them to travel long distances. They latch onto suitcases, clothes, and linens and can end up wherever these items are taken.

Bed bugs are extremely elusive insects so professional help should be sought out when dealing with an infestation. Bed bugs are very difficult pests to treat. If you suspect or discover a bed bug infestation, contact FL Bed Bug Experts, a sister company of FL Termite & Pest Experts, that specializes specifically in bed bug extermination.

Call FL Bed Bug Experts at 813.922.8475 now!

What Are Fire Ants?

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsBiting Insects

Fire ants are a problem for many homeowners and industrial businesses in the South. The ants are extremely aggressive and often swarm over anyone that disturbs their nest. They have a painful sting, which can be lethal for some people who are allergic to venom.

Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of fire ants. The best way depends on the size of the infestation and where they are nesting. If you spot just a few fire ants, they can easily be eliminated with store-bought products or household items. If you have large colonies, it will take professional help to eliminate them all.

Identifying Fire Ants

Fire ants are red or black ants that can be identified by their reddish color and painful sting. There are more than 280 species of fire ant worldwide. In the U.S., the most common species is the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis Invicta), which is found throughout the Southeastern states from Florida to Texas and Hawaii, and California.

Fire ants are omnivores that feed on various food sources, including other insects, seeds, fruits, plants, and greenery — even young animals, such as lizards or birds. They build dome-shaped mounds in open areas, such as fields, lawns, or pastures. Fire ant mounds can be up to 18 inches high and 15 feet across. The size of the mound depends on the size of its colony: Large colonies have larger mounds than smaller ones.

Getting Rid of Fire Ants

If you live in the South and have an outdoor space, chances are you’ve had to deal with fire ants. These little buggers, who have no natural predators in the U.S., can be extremely aggressive and even dangerous for those who are allergic or sensitive to them.

For more tips on keeping fire ants away from your Florida home this summer, contact FL Pest Experts today!

What are Cockroaches?

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsGeneral Household Pests

Cockroaches are one of the most common household pests in the United States. The cockroaches most commonly found in and around Florida homes are the Florida woods roach , American, smokybrown , brown, Australian, German and Asian. The German, Asian and brownbanded are smallest in size, and the adults are approximately 5/8 inch long. The larger cockroaches are the American, Australian, brown, and smokybrown typically are 1–1/4 to 2 inches long and are often called palmetto bugs. +Though they are generally found outdoors, they can become indoor problems when they migrate or are carried indoors. The largest cockroach, the Florida woods roach, will also enter dwellings from outside. Outdoor cockroaches do not survive well indoors, and many times people overreact to the presence of these cockroaches. Often, removal of these outdoor cockroaches from the house is all that is needed for control.

The German and American cockroach are the most common type found in Florida. Cockroaches can be major pests in restaurants, hospitals, warehouses, offices and buildings with food-handling areas. They secrete a substance which can stain surfaces and produce bad odors. They can also destroy fabric and paper products.

A cockroach has a flattened, oval body and long antennae (about the length of their body). It has six strong legs covered with spines. Many adult cockroaches have fully developed wings, but only few fly. Young, immature cockroaches resemble adults but are smaller and do not have wings.

Cockroaches are not only undesirable pests but a threat to human health by consuming our food and contaminating the indoor environment.

Cockroaches are known to transfer disease pathogens, such as the various bacteria that produce “food poisoning” in humans, by contaminating food, food preparation surfaces, dishes and eating utensils. How many human gastrointestinal disorders are attributed to the mechanical transmission of pathogens by cockroaches has not been fully assessed, but remains a valid health concern. However, the roach’s greatest impact on human health may be its ability to trigger asthma. Cockroach nymphs grow by periodically shedding their “skin” (the exoskeleton). Fragments of their exoskeletons, along with bits of cockroach feces, serve as antigens (foreign protein) that, when inhaled, cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.

Several species of cockroaches live inside structures. Most domestic cockroaches are of tropical origin and the German cockroach, for one, cannot survive temperate winters outdoors. All are primarily nocturnal. All prefer warm, moist places where they can feed on human and pet foods, decaying and fermenting matter, and a variety of other items.

Food, water and shelter are basic roach requirements. With all three present in sufficient quantity, cockroaches grow and reproduce with mated females producing oothecae – pillow-shaped egg capsules each containing up to 48 eggs. Tiny, wingless nymphs hatch from their eggs and gradually grow into adult roaches.

Cockroaches have various common names including water bugs, croton bugs and palmetto bugs. There are at least 69 different cockroach species found in the United States. Outside, cockroaches are decomposers, feeding on dead or dying plants and animals. However, they are considered pests when they interact with people, invading lawns and gardens or entering homes and other structures. More importantly, they can affect human health by spreading diseases, such as Salmonella, and ruin materials such as books, clothes and food.

Cockroaches secrete an oily liquid that has an offensive and sickening odor. This odor may also be imparted to dishes that are apparently clean, food and clothes. Excrement in the form of pellets or an inklike liquid also contributes to this nauseating odor. Additionally, cockroaches produce allergens, which include their feces, shed skins, and body parts such as antennae and legs. In susceptible individuals, contact with these allergens can result in mild to severe rashes, other allergic reactions, and in extreme cases death from asthma attacks.

COCKROACH SPECIES

Droppings: German cockroaches leave behind dark brown or black droppings that look like ground coffee or black pepper. You can find them in places where they’re active, including under appliances and on countertops.

Shed skins: Roaches molt as they grow, leaving behind egg casings and clear exoskeletons where they’ve been. Look for these in tight spaces, such as under sinks or inside cupboards and drawers.

Smell: Roach infestations often lead to a musty odor caused by the insects’ oily body’s secretions and droppings. You may have roaches nearby if you smell something unpleasant without another explanation — such as dirty laundry.

Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Key

The presence of these obnoxious little German cockroaches can be a real nuisance, especially if they are multiplying at an exponential rate. The best way to deal with them is to keep a clean home. Dirty kitchens and bathrooms, pantry, grocery bags, pet food, strewn garbage, and moldy food give the cockroaches more places to hide and breed, resulting in more significant infestations and more bugs. Cleanliness and sanitation is the first step in effective control of German cockroaches! Remove the food sources and seal up entry points to keep them away.

Mosquitoes: 10 Interesting Facts to Get You Through the Summer

FL Termite & Pest ExpertsBiting InsectsTagged Mosquitoes, Pest Control

Mosquito Facts: 10 Interesting Facts to Get You Through the Summer

For a tiny flying insect, mosquitoes are a pretty big deal.

They transmit dangerous diseases like malaria, dengue, and zika. The World Health Organization estimates that they cause more than a million deaths each year.

Mosquito bites can be itchy, painful, and even deadly for unlucky people.

But there’s still a lot we don’t know about these disease-carrying pests. Here are ten exciting mosquito facts to help you get through the summer.

Fact# 1: Mosquitoes are the deadliest insect on Earth, killing more humans than any other insect. Most of these deaths are caused by malaria and dengue fever, but mosquitoes also transmit yellow fever, encephalitis, chikungunya, and the West Nile virus.

Fact# 2: Only female mosquitoes bite people and animals for blood meals because they need these nutrients in order to develop their eggs. Male mosquitoes don’t bite people or animals at all and feed on plant nectar instead.

Fact# 3: The mosquito lifespan varies depending on species, but most live less than two weeks. Some live only 4-5 days as adults. There are exceptions to this rule, however. Some mosquitoes can hibernate during cold weather and live for several weeks.

Fact# 4: Mosquitoes are most active during warm months when temperatures rise above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer to live in areas with high humidity levels, so rainy weather is also a good time for mosquitoes to come out and play.

Fact# 5: Mosquitoes need sugar to survive. They feed on blood to get it, so female mosquitoes crave things containing sugar or other sweet flavors, such as fruits or flowers (and even human blood!). This is why they love artificial scents like perfume or lotions.

Fact# 6: These bloodsuckers aren’t picky eaters. During the summertime, mosquitoes will feed on anything sweet: from ripe fruits and vegetables to meat and fish — and even dog food! So make sure your pet’s bowl doesn’t sit empty; it could make you sick!

Fact# 7: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide. The same way a fly is attracted to a delicious-smelling steak in the rain, mosquitoes are attracted to us because we emit carbon dioxide as part of our daily metabolism.

Fact# 8: Mosquitoes don’t have teeth, so they don’t chew anything as other bugs do. Instead, they use their proboscis (a tube-like mouthpart) to pierce the skin and suck blood from a host. The mosquito injects saliva into the host to prevent blood clots from forming around its mouthparts when this happens.

Fact# 9: Don’t wear smelly perfume! While you might think that summertime scents like cucumber melon or jasmine would ward off mosquitoes, they attract them! That’s because these fragrances are similar to the smell of human skin. Any aromas high in carbon dioxide (like perfumes and colognes) attract mosquitoes.

Fact# 10: There are over 3,000 species of mosquitoes found in every region of the world except Antarctica. There are even some species that live in underground caves. For at least 100 million years, these insects have been around — fossils show their relatives were flying around during the Jurassic period! That makes mosquitoes one of the oldest surviving types of insect on Earth.

Mosquitoes are a significant problem during the summer. Luckily, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes. If you don’t want the hassle or expense of having your yard sprayed with insecticide by pest control experts, there are other preventive measures you can take:

Install mosquito nets

Mosquitoes are most likely to strike at night. You can protect yourself and your family by installing mosquito nets in your home. The nets will keep the mosquitoes out while you sleep.

Use bug repellent

When you go outside, use a bug repellent that contains DEET or picaridin to repel mosquitoes. If you don’t want to use chemical insect repellents, look for natural alternatives with lemongrass oil and citronella.

Keep the pool clean

If you have a pool, keep it clean and chlorinated to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. If you don’t use your pool often, consider covering it with a tarp when not in use.

Wear long-sleeved clothing

As an added precaution when you go outside, wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your arms and legs from mosquitoes. Also, try to avoid wearing dark colors like blue, black, and dark brown, which mosquitoes find attractive.

Get rid of standing water

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, so it’s essential to get rid of any standing water around your home, including in old tires and puddles that form after a rainstorm. For more tips on keeping mosquitoes away from your Florida home this summer, contact FL Pest Experts today!