No doubt you’ll have encountered a cockroach at some point in Florida. As one of the most humid states in the U.S., the combination of high heat, humidity, and periods of heavy rainfall attracts a variety of roaches year-round. Tampa ranked third on the list of 25 cities with the worst roach problems, followed by Miami in sixth.
While you’ve probably never cared to look closely enough to tell the difference, the Sunshine State is home to about 40 different species of cockroaches. Knowing how to identify some of the most common ones can help you keep them away from your property more effectively.
So, let’s take a look at some of the main types of roaches in Florida.
The Most Common Cockroaches in Florida
The two most common cockroaches in Florida, and likely ones which you’ve encountered, are the American and German cockroaches.
The American Cockroach
The American cockroach is often called a palmetto bug because it sometimes settles in the shady shelter of Florida’s palm trees. These roaches generally prefer outdoor environments, but may wander into and congregate inside buildings, causing infestations.
Identify an American cockroach:
- Amber-brown coloring
- Long thin antenna
- Slim, oval-shaped bodies
- Winged and flies short distances
The German Cockroach
German cockroaches are typically much smaller than American cockroaches. While their bodies are also oval shaped, they appear more squat and rounded compared to the long, slim American cockroach. They are very commonly found indoors, in bathroom or kitchen areas, and places where people eat.
How to identify a German cockroach:
- Pale brown color, with two distinct, dark vertical stripes behind the head
- Winged, but do not fly
- Typically around ½” in length
‘Outdoor’ Cockroaches in Florida
Many cockroach species prefer to live in natural shelters like trees, flower beds, leaves, and mulch. However, that does not stop them from invading properties from time to time in search of food, water, and alternative shelter options.
The Smokybrown Cockroach
The Smokybrown cockroach is closely related to the American cockroach but is known for its much stronger ability to fly. These are commonly seen flying close to porch lights at night. Though they prefer outdoor habitats, Smokybrown cockroaches can still be troublesome as they carry and spread dangerous bacteria.
Identifying a smokybrown cockroach:
- 1 to 1.5” in size
- Dark, black-brown, mahogany color
- Shiny bodies
- Winged, with strong flying ability
The Asian Cockroach
The Asian cockroach, with its dark longitudinal striped body, can be easily confused with the German cockroach. However, this roach prefers outdoor habitats, and can often be found in yards and flower beds. It can also fly, while the German cockroach does not. Like many other roaches, the Asian cockroach has a broad diet, but its preference for the outdoors means it usually feeds on decaying leaves, plants, food, and waste.
How to identify an Asian cockroach:
- Approximately ½” in size
- Pale brown thorax with brown or yellow stripes
- May be spotted flying near outdoor lights
The Wood Cockroach
The Florida wood cockroach is sometimes called a “true” palmetto bug because they rarely venture indoors and make homes within the habitats that cabbage palms provide them. Unlike many of their roach counterparts, the wood cockroach moves very slowly. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of this roach is that it sprays a foul defensive odor when threatened—not that you’d want to get close enough to identify this.
Characteristics of the Florida wood cockroach:
- 1.2-1.6” long
- Dark, reddish-brown color
- Winged, but cannot fly
- Almost exclusively found outdoors
- Very slow movements
The Australian Cockroach
Despite its name, the Australian cockroach, thought to have arrived from Africa, is another that’s fairly common throughout Florida’s more tropical regions. On first glance, they’re similar in appearance to the American cockroach due to their reddish-brown color, but are about half their size.
Identifying an Australian cockroach:
- 1-1.5” long
- Yellow markings on body and wings
- Winged and may fly short distances
- Mostly found outdoors
Need Help Identifying Cockroaches?
At Florida Pest Control, our team can help you identify the pests that have made your property their home. We’re experts in all things Florida and the local roach species found in the area. Contact us today for help with property inspections, pest identification, and cockroach control.
