Florida Woods Cockroach Facts
The Florida woods cockroach- also known as the Florida stink roach, or the stinking cockroach- isn’t exactly the most pleasant of insects to find in your home. Unlike the green, flying Cuban cockroach, most people wouldn’t consider having these little guys as pets. Much as their name would imply, they are native to Florida, making them little concern for New Englanders. As their nickname would imply, they are further not the best smelling of cockroaches, due mainly to their defense mechanisms. You may not want to get too close to them, for fear of activating their defense mechanism- the release of a chemical mixture with a particularly displeasing odor.
Florida Woods Cockroach Bites
While these pests may not be inclined to attack humans or other aggressive behavior, they are not opposed to defending themselves should an attack come. When scared or threatened, these cockroaches activate a defense mechanism not unlike that of skunks.
Florida Woods Cockroach Infestation
Despite being named for the sunshine state, Florida woods cockroaches have managed to make their way up as far as Georgia and parts of South Carolina. Their love of warm, humid environments keeps them relatively contained to the southeastern areas of the U.S., but because of this their populations in said areas are fairly dense.
While some residents where Florida woods cockroaches roam have reported them in homes, this is not a particularly common occurrence. This is due to this cockroach’s wings no longer being used, making them slow ground movers, and easy to spot given their size. Florida woods cockroaches may make attempts to enter a home through the attic, given its naturally humid climate on hot days, so keep an eye out for slowly scurrying bugs.
Florida Woods cockroaches aren’t particularly picky eaters, and will take whatever they can get in the wild or from your home. This is important to keep in mind of you suspect any sort of cockroach in your house, as proactive steps are needed to eliminate food options for them. Sweet and starchy crumbs are a plus for any cockroach, so be careful about open containers of food, and be sure to secure all resalable packages.
Types of Florida Woods Cockroaches
Florida Woods Cockroach Identification
Commonly described as: Florida stink roach.
This fairly large cockroach can grow up to 2 inches long, with many showing a distinct reddish hue. They do have wings, but they are hard to notice, and are a vestigial appendage as they can no longer fly. As with many other cockroaches, these scurrying bugs are oval shaped, and about an inch wide. They do have long antennae as well, sometimes as long as their body length.
Rather than just recognizing these cockroaches by sight however, it may be easier by smell! This unique cockroach uses a defense mechanism similar to that of a skunk, emitting a foul smelling concoction when scared or threatened.
Florida Woods Cockroaches In The Home & The Apartment
It is more common to sight these pests outside, perhaps under foliage, or in dense wooded areas. When they do make it indoors, Florida woods cockroaches in your home will more often than not remain out of sight during the day, and stick to the corners and crevices normally left unattended and free of foot traffic. Be sure to search through low set cabinets, drawer units, and cupboards if you believe cockroaches have made it into your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Florida woods cockroaches bite?
No, Florida woods cockroaches are not known to bite.
Do Florida woods cockroaches fly?
Like many cockroach species, the Florida woods roaches do have wings, but are they don’t fly well and are very slow moving.
What attracts Florida woods cockroaches?
The Florida woods cockroach mostly searches for shelter from the sun, so many times they will find themselves along the cracks and crevices around your home as they seek the shade. They could also be foraging for food. Usually because they are have poor flight and move slow, if you find them in your home, they were most likely transported by something else.
How do you prevent a Florida woods cockroach infestation?
The easiest way to protect yourself against an Florida woods cockroach infestation is to keep your house clean and clear of food particles. The main reason most cockroaches enter a home is for shelter or food. Because homes are typically not kept humid/warm enough for the Florida woods cockroach, it is more likely that they are searching for a meal. This means that keeping a well cleaned home is vital, especially in the corners and crevices you might normally overlook.
If you think you may have cockroaches not only are their preventative steps to take for the future, but it can also be helpful to determine the level of infestation. Cockroaches are the most active at night, when there are less prying eyes and danger. Try to identify locations where you believe the pest is searching for food, or may be living.
One common homeowner trick is to sprinkle some sort of light, easily cleanable powder/substance of the areas suspected to have an infestation. Do this at night, and in the morning check if the line of material (flour, corn starch etc.) has been disturbed, or shows signs of activity. This will help identify the level of infestation, as well as narrow down the activity hotspots in case you need to call in pest control.
If possible, you may consider setting an alarm and taking a look around your house late one night when the cockroaches are more likely to be seen. Because the Florida woods cockroach is slower they will be easier to catch in the act, but be very careful not to alarm them, unless you want your kitchen smelling less than fresh!
What are the benefits of professional Florida woods cockroach pest control?
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a Florida woods cockroach problem. Finding and treating the Florida woods cockroaches can be challenging, especially if their home and eggs are spread throughout your house. A cockroach management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the Florida woods cockroach infestation.