Pest Library
Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in Florida, where American, Australian, brown-banded, Florida wood, and German cockroaches all make our homes and businesses their home. Water and food are the two biggest attractants, and unfortunately our houses have both. Cockroaches don't only find their own way in — they hitchhike inside boxes, deliveries, furniture, and appliances, and in multi-unit buildings they move between units through walls, floors, drains, and vents.
About Cockroaches
Cockroaches thrive in Florida, where American, Australian, brown-banded, Florida wood, and German cockroaches all make our homes and businesses their home. Water and food are the two biggest attractants, and unfortunately our houses have both. Cockroaches don't only find their own way in — they hitchhike inside boxes, deliveries, furniture, and appliances, and in multi-unit buildings they move between units through walls, floors, drains, and vents.
Signs of Cockroaches Infestation
- Roaches seen during the day (a sign of a larger nighttime population)
- Dark droppings resembling coffee grounds or black pepper near food and water sources
- A persistent musty or oily odor in cabinets or appliances
- Egg cases (oval, brown capsules) in cracks, crevices, or behind appliances
Our Treatment Approach
We treat cockroach infestations with a combination of targeted baiting, crack-and-crevice treatments, and growth regulators that interrupt the breeding cycle. Because roaches hide in kitchens, bathrooms, and crawl spaces during the day and forage at night, we focus on entry points, plumbing penetrations, and harborage areas — not just visible surfaces. Cockroaches spread diseases and bacteria, contaminate food, can trigger asthma attacks in young children, and cause allergy and breathing symptoms when populations get large.
Prevention Tips
- Place all garbage in cans with tight-fitting lids
- Never leave food or drink containers outside
- Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs by wiping down counters and cleaning the floor
- Clean up spills immediately and limit eating to the kitchen and dining areas
- Eliminate excess moisture that attracts cockroaches — leaking pipes, low-lying wet areas in the yard, roof damage, and decaying vegetation or debris
Cockroaches FAQs
What roach species are common in Florida homes?
American, Australian, brown-banded, Florida wood, and German cockroaches all turn up in Southwest Florida homes and businesses, drawn in by available food and water.
Are cockroaches a health risk?
Yes — cockroaches spread diseases and bacteria, contaminate food, and can trigger asthma attacks and allergy symptoms, especially in young children, when populations get large.
Why do I see cockroaches during the day?
Roaches are mostly nocturnal, so daytime sightings usually mean the population has grown large enough that it's overflowing its normal nighttime hiding spots.