Cockroaches are among the most reviled insects because of their tendency to invade human homes and their repulsive appearance. If you live in a humid subtropical climate like Florida, there is no getting away from cockroaches. They’re practically unavoidable, as they thrive in such conditions.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep these pests under control without having to move out of state! If you’ve discovered cockroaches in your home, then it’s time to take action before they get out of hand.
Let’s take a look at some essential advice about how to get rid of cockroaches in Florida, and reduce the risk of an infestation reoccurring again in the future.
Cockroaches in Florida: Why They’re So Difficult to Eradicate
There are 55 species of cockroach in the United States. Some of these, like the German cockroach, can be eradicated with relative ease. Others, like the Periplaneta Americana, are notoriously difficult to get rid of. These are the “giant” or “Florida” cockroaches. They can be up to two inches long, and they’re a common sight in the humid southern states. These cockroaches are so big, and they reproduce so quickly, that they’re extremely difficult to eradicate.
In order to eradicate a population of giant cockroaches, you would have to kill every single cockroach in the area. Even if you’re lucky enough to kill every single roach, there’s a chance more will move in if you haven’t dealt with the cause of the infestation. Giant cockroaches are persistent pests, which is why they’re often referred to as “the cockroach that won’t go away.”
They’re so difficult to eradicate because they’re exceptionally resilient. Giant cockroaches can survive for up to a year without eating. If conditions become too dry for them to survive, they’ll simply go into a state of suspended animation. They’re also able to survive on very little water. Because of these traits, it’s almost impossible to kill off an entire colony of giant cockroaches.
What Kind of Cockroaches Are in Florida?
The Periplaneta Americana, or “giant” cockroach, are the most common species of cockroach found in Florida. They’re larger than other species of cockroach, and they can grow as big as two inches. Giant cockroaches are reddish-brown in color and they have wings, but they cannot fly.
Unlike other species of cockroach, they tend to prefer cooler, subtropical environments. They’re commonly found in coastal areas of the southeastern US. Giant cockroaches are one of the few species of cockroach that can survive without water.
They’re also known to thrive in humid environments like Florida. Giant cockroaches can cause a lot of damage to a property. They’re known to eat through wood, plaster, and other building materials. They’ve even been known to eat through leather and book bindings!
Giant cockroaches also have a very pungent odor, and they can spread germs and bacteria through fecal matter and saliva. If you have a giant cockroach infestation, it’s important to take action before they cause too much damage to your home!
Tips for Getting Rid of Cockroaches
If you want to get rid of cockroaches, you first have to understand why they’ve chosen to live in your home. Cockroaches thrive in humid environments, as they’re able to produce more offspring in such conditions. They’re also nocturnal, so they prefer to live in dark, cool places so they’re not spotted during the day.
If you have a lot of food crumbs lying around the house, you’ll attract more cockroaches. Cockroaches are also very likely to breed in places that are warm, poorly ventilated, and have high humidity. If you keep your home in good condition, you decrease the likelihood of an infestation.
Find out where the cockroaches are coming from. This will give you a better idea of how to get rid of them. Once you know where the cockroaches are coming from, you can take steps to seal them out. This may include sealing any holes or cracks in your house, or getting rid of any standing water.
The best way to get rid of cockroaches is to use targeted insecticides. You can also try cleaning up your home and removing any food crumbs. It’s important to be patient, as eradicating cockroaches from your home may take time. It’s also important to remember that you can’t get rid of all the cockroaches in your home at once. Cockroaches are resilient pests, and it can take some time to fully eradicate an infestation.
Safer Ways to Kill Cockroaches
As with all pests, it’s important to kill cockroaches as quickly as possible. Left unchecked, they can spread disease and damage your home. There are a few different ways to kill cockroaches. The best way to kill cockroaches is to use an insecticide.
Insecticides are designed to kill insects, which means they’re more effective than other methods. You can purchase insecticides from a hardware store or online. You can also make your own insecticide using borax and sugar. Boric acid is also a good option for controlling cockroaches.
Boric acid is a very safe way to kill cockroaches because it’s slow acting. It also doesn’t leave a lingering smell. Another option for killing cockroaches is to use a steam cleaner. Steam cleaners can be effective at killing cockroaches, and they’re also safer than chemical sprays. You can kill cockroaches with hot water, but you may need to wait for them to come into contact with the water.
Another option is to use a glue trap. Glue traps can be effective at killing cockroaches, but they’re not without their problems. Glue traps are non-toxic, but they can cause some discomfort to insects trapped on them. They’re also not very selective. You’re likely to catch more than just cockroaches if you use a glue trap.
Conclusion
Cockroaches are among the most disgusting pests, and they’re incredibly hard to get rid of. If you live in a subtropical climate like Florida, then you’re probably familiar with these pests. It’s important to take action when you discover a cockroach in your home.
Finding out where they’re coming from and sealing them out is a good first step. You can also use targeted insecticides to kill off infestations. Whatever you do, make sure you get rid of them before they have a chance to do too much damage!