Florida certainly has some lovely aspects. From amazing weather to great views, it’s hard to imagine someone would not love this wonderful state. One quick look at the newest pests many Floridians have to deal with though, and that opinion could change really quickly. They’re big, they’re brown, and if you get near it, they’ll start hissing. It’s the hissing cockroach, and it can stretch up to five inches in length. These are not your average cockroach, but they’ll be happy to take over your home just as quickly.
Why are they a Problem?
Hissing cockroaches certainly are not native to Florida. Wondering why they’re here at all? Scientists believe reptile owners actually brought them in. Because they make the perfect food for reptiles, they’re easy to choose over something like crickets. As a result, reptile owners tend to breed them in captivity, and since keeping them in captivity isn’t an easy task, they’ve become a serious pest problem throughout the state.
Identification
Wondering if you have hissing cockroaches on your hands? They’re pretty easy to spot. The adults can be 4 inches in length. They have spiky legs, and are fairly shiny. The males have hairy antennae while the females have smooth antennae. They love small places, and they’ll eat almost anything, including dry pet foot. It takes just 24 hours for a small group to consume an entire carrot.
Do they Bite?
These cockroaches don’t bite, and while it’s rare for them to infest a home, it’s more than possible as they continue to establish themselves throughout the state. If you do think you have an infestation in your home or somewhere on your property, your best bet is to contact Brevard County pest control services for help. They’ll identify what you’re dealing with and eliminate the problem immediately.
Hissing cockroaches are the last problem you want in your home or on your property, but they’re not quite as hard to deal with as you might imagine. Contact a pest control professional for real help now.