There are many different species of roaches in the world, with reports ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 different types. However, thankfully for those with need of pest control, only about 30 species can be found within American homes. Since they prefer moist and warm areas, Florida is a perfect place for their habitat, with the most recognizable one being the American roach.
Also known as Palmetto or water bugs, they can grow to one and a half inches long. They have antennae and six legs. While they do have wings, they are only able to fly short distances and prefer instead to walk – sometimes as fast as thr
ee miles an hour, which is pretty fast for such a small pest. Primarily nocturnal, cockroaches aren’t social insects like bees, termites, or ants.
Potential roach homes can be hollow trees, garbage facilities, and even in mulch or wood piles. They tend to travel from sewers, and tend to nest near water pipes. As a result, cockroaches will be more discernable after a heavy rain.
Roaches have three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Females can produce egg capsules once a week, with each capsule containing a number of eggs, depending on the species of cockroach. Nymphs are smaller than the adults, don’t have wings, and will shed several times on the way to adulthood. It can take between six to twelve months to fully mature. The lifespan also depends on the species, but can be up to fifteen months.
The biggest issue with cockroaches is that they spread disease when they come in contact with your food. They not only spread bacteria, but parasitic worms and other pathogens, including food poisoning and diarrhea.
Cockroaches are extremely resilient and adaptive, with fossil records indicating that they’ve been around in one form or another for over 300 million years. Some species can live without food for a month, without water for a week, and without air for forty-five minutes.
There are certain green pest control methods, including introducing natural predators such as iguanas or beetles. You will also want to find and repair water leaks. The biggest part of control, of course, is in prevention and keeping a clean house. However, roaches can and do hibernate, so sometimes the best thing to do is to call a Brevard County pest control service so they can investigate the source so as to not have the infestation re-occur.