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American Roaches Control in Florida

American cockroach

What Are American Roaches?

The Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus) or American roach is the largest of the house-infesting roaches in America and has been a common pest ever since its introduction into this country. It is more commonly referred to as the water bug, Bombay canary, or palmetto bug. The American cockroach is not native to North America, and some suggest that these roaches were introduced via ships from Africa sometime in the early 1600s.

Restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, breweries, pet shops, and other places where food is made or sold are the most common places you will find these pests. They are often found in damp sewers and basements, in heating ducts under hospitals, and on the first floors of buildings. They can be transported into homes and apartments in boxes from infested areas. American roaches can contaminate food, destroy wallpaper, books, and clothing, and produce an unpleasant odor.
American cockroach

American Roaches Identification

American Roaches can be identified by several distinct characteristics. The bodies of adult roaches are typically red-brown to dark brown, with a noticeable yellow spot located just behind their heads. Nymphs resemble the adults but tend o be grayish-brown in color. Adult American roaches typically measure between 1-3/16 inches and 2-1/8 inches (32 to 54 mm). This species has six legs and a long antennae (about 4 cm) which are equal in length to the rest of its body. While Adult American roaches have wings, they rarely fly. During the nymph stage, however, they are wingless and incapable of flight.
An American roach infestation can be alarming due to its size and rapid reproduction. Signs of an infestation include:
Visible Roaches

Visible Roaches

Spotting live roaches, especially during the day, is a strong indication of an infestation.

Droppings

Droppings

Small, dark droppings and smear marks near food sources or in hidden areas.

Egg Cases

Egg Cases

Discovering oval-shaped egg cases (oothecae) in dark, moist places.

Musty Odor

Musty Odor

A strong, musty odor can indicate a large infestation.

If you notice these signs, it’s essential to act quickly.
Contact Costa Pest Control for effective American roaches control.

Life Cycle

American cockroaches have three life stages: egg, a variable number of nymphal instars, and adult. The average life cycle from egg to adult is 600 days, and then they probably live at least another 400 or more as adults.

Stages of growth

life cycle of American Roaches
1 2 3

Eggs

Female American roaches lay their eggs in a strong and purse-shaped egg case (ootheca). Each female typically produces one egg case per month for ten months, laying an average of 16 eggs in each ootheca. The female lays an ootheca close to food, often attaching it with a mouth secretion. The egg case is brown when deposited and turns black in a day or two. It is about 8 mm long and 5 mm high.

Nymph

The nymphal stage begins when the egg hatches and ends with the emergence of the adult. The American roach first instar is white upon hatching and after that turns a light gray color in the course of its molt. The next instars of cockroach nymphs are white and then become reddish-brown, with the posterior margins of the thoracic segments and abdominal being a darker color. Wings are not present in the nymphal stages. The total developmental period from egg to adult is approximately 600 days.

Adult

The adult American roach is reddish brown, bearing a pale brown or yellow band around the edge of the pronotum. The males are longer than the females because their wings extend 4 to 8 mm beyond the tip of the abdomen. Both males and females have a pair of long, jointed cerci at the end of their abdomens. The male cockroaches have cerci with 18 to 19 segments while the females’ cerci have 13 to 14 segments. The males have also a pair of styli between the cerci that are absent in females.

1

Eggs

Female American roaches lay their eggs in a strong and purse-shaped egg case (ootheca). Each female typically produces one egg case per month for ten months, laying an average of 16 eggs in each ootheca. The female lays an ootheca close to food, often attaching it with a mouth secretion. The egg case is brown when deposited and turns black in a day or two. It is about 8 mm long and 5 mm high.

2

Nymph

The nymphal stage begins when the egg hatches and ends with the emergence of the adult. The American roach first instar is white upon hatching and after that turns a light gray color in the course of its molt. The next instars of cockroach nymphs are white and then become reddish-brown, with the posterior margins of the thoracic segments and abdominal being a darker color. Wings are not present in the nymphal stages. The total developmental period from egg to adult is approximately 600 days.

3

Adult

The adult American roach is reddish brown, bearing a pale brown or yellow band around the edge of the pronotum. The males are longer than the females because their wings extend 4 to 8 mm beyond the tip of the abdomen. Both males and females have a pair of long, jointed cerci at the end of their abdomens. The male cockroaches have cerci with 18 to 19 segments while the females’ cerci have 13 to 14 segments. The males have also a pair of styli between the cerci that are absent in females.

Health Risks

American roaches are not just a nuisance, they can become a public health problem due to their association with human waste and disease and their ability to move from sewers into homes and commercial buildings.

They can contaminate food with certain bacterial diseases that result in food poisoning, dysentery, or diarrhea. They can also trigger allergies and childhood asthma.

At least 22 species of pathogenic human bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans, as well as five species of helminthic worms, have been isolated from field-collected American roaches. Their presence in both residential and commercial settings demands immediate attention and effective pest control measures.

Pest Fumigator

American Roaches in House

It is common to find American roaches in homes and businesses such as restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, anywhere food is prepared and stored. Nymphs and adult roaches both seek warm, dark moist areas with a temperature of at least 70 degrees. However, under the right conditions, they may survive even lower temperatures.

During the day the American cockroach, which responds negatively to light, resides in harborages near water pipes sinks, baths, and toilets where the microclimate is suitable for survival. Finding American roaches in your house can be unsettling. These pests enter homes searching for food, water, and shelter.

Common entry points include:

Gaps Around Doors and Windows

Gaps Around Doors and Windows

Ensure these areas are sealed properly.

Plumbing and Utility Lines

Sewers and Plumbing

Inspect and seal any gaps around pipes and electrical conduits.

Vents and Chimneys

Trees and Shrubs

They enter into houses from trees, branches, and shrubs located nearby.
Our residential pest control services at Costa Pest Control ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable while effectively eliminating these unwelcome invaders.

How to Get Rid of
American Roaches

Eliminating American roaches requires a multi-faceted approach:

1

2

3

Sanitation

Keep your home clean, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage regularly, and fix any leaky pipes to eliminate water sources.

Exclusion

Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, walls, and around doors and windows to prevent roaches from entering.

Professional Pest Control

At Costa Pest Control, we offer specialized American roaches control services that include thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure your home remains roach-free.

1

Sanitation

Keep your home clean, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage regularly, and fix any leaky pipes to eliminate water sources.

2

Exclusion

Seal cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation, walls, and around doors and windows to prevent roaches from entering.

3

Professional Pest Control

At Costa Pest Control, we offer specialized American roach control services that include thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring to ensure your home remains roach-free.
Residential Pest Control Services in Florida

Florida Pest Control

Our Approach to American Roaches Extermination

Costa Pest Control offers tailored American roach extermination services that target these pests at every stage of their lifecycle. Our experienced technicians use the latest techniques and products to ensure complete eradication. We begin with a thorough inspection to identify the source of the infestation and then implement a customized treatment plan.

Eco & Pet-Friendly Pest Control Services

At Costa Pest Control, we specialize in providing comprehensive American roach control services in Florida. Our eco and pet-friendly pest control solutions are designed to keep your home and business free from these persistent pests without compromising the safety of your loved ones or pets.

German Roach vs American Roach

Understanding the differences between German and American roaches can help you identify and address infestations more effectively.

German Roach

German Cockroach
German roaches are smaller, usually from 0.5 to 0.6 inches in size, and light brown with dark parallel stripes running along the length of their back. They are often found in kitchens and bathrooms, where they seek warmth, moisture, and food.

VS

American Roaches

American Roach
American cockroaches are much larger—between 1.5 and 2 inches long. They are reddish-brown with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on their heads. Unlike German roaches, American roaches are often found in basements, crawl spaces, and outdoors but can migrate inside in search of food and water.

The Best Pest Control Company Near Me

Why Choose Costa Pest Control?

Welcome to a New Era of Pest Control in South Florida
Welcome to a New Era of Pest Control in South Florida
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Welcome to a New Era of Pest Control in South Florida

Expertise and Experience

We have a team of professionals with years and years of experience in handling American roaches as well as other common Florida pests.

Welcome to a New Era of Pest Control in South Florida

Customized Solutions

We know that each infestation is unique. Our treatment plans are tailored to you.

Spiders Extermination Services

Eco-Friendly Methods

We take a green approach, offering products that are safe for the Earth and your pets.

Welcome to a New Era of Pest Control in South Florida

Customer-Focused

We always put our customers first, and we work hard to ensure your satisfaction with pest control services that are as reliable as they come.

Contact Us for Roach Fumigation in Florida

If you notice an American roach infestation in your home or business, let us know before they get a chance to spread. Contact Costa Pest Control today for expert American roach control in Florida. Our team is able to deliver the most comprehensive and pet-safe pest control services in town.

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FAQs

We specialize in a broad range of pest management services, including but not limited to ants, roaches, termites, mosquitoes, rodents, and more. We’re equipped to tackle both common and unique pest challenges in South Florida.

The frequency of treatments can vary based on several factors, including the type of pests, the extent of the infestation, and the specific needs of your property. We typically recommend regular inspections and treatments to ensure continuous protection.

Absolutely. The safety of your family and pets is our top priority. We use eco-friendly and sustainable pest control methods that are effective against pests but safe for humans and pets.

You may start seeing a reduction in pest activity within a few days. The time frame can vary based on the type of pests and the extent of the infestation.

Preparation can vary by treatment type, but generally, we may ask you to clear certain areas of your home or business, secure pets, and follow specific instructions provided by our technicians. We’ll ensure you have all the necessary information beforehand.

Yes, all of our technicians are fully licensed and insured. They undergo rigorous training and continuing education to stay updated on the latest industry standards and methods.

Common signs include visible pests, droppings, damaged materials (like gnawed wood or fabric), strange smells, and unusual sounds within walls or ceilings.

Yes, certain pests such as termites and carpenter ants can cause significant structural damage by eating wood and other materials. It’s important to address any infestations quickly to prevent serious damage.

Yes, we stand by the quality of our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If pests return between scheduled services, we’ll come back at no extra charge to address the issue.

Keeping your environment clean and minimizing access to food and water sources is crucial. Seal any cracks and crevices and keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. We also recommend regular pest control treatments as a preventative measure.

To schedule, please contact us directly. We’ll discuss your pest control needs and provide an estimate based on the specifics of your situation and desired services.