Florida Woods Cockroach

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Florida Woods Cockroach

Sometimes referred to as the “Florida stinkroach,” “skunk cockroach,” “stinking roach” and other terms that confer similar sentiments, Florida woods cockroaches are a large cockroach species that sprays a very foul-smelling mist when startled. 

Compared to other roach species, the Florida woods cockroach is a slow-moving cockroach that spends most of its life outside. Unlike most other cockroach species, the Florida woods cockroach doesn’t scurry away quickly when it sees a human. Compared to other kinds of roaches, they live a very long life—up to a year, on average. 

What Do Florida Woods Cockroaches Look Like?

Florida woods cockroaches look very similar to Oriental cockroaches, but are also often confused for American cockroaches, both of which are also often referred to as “palmetto bugs.” Florida woods cockroaches are squat, oval-shaped and reddish-brown to black in color, sometimes with yellow markings at the edges of their thin, hard, shells. 

They are among the largest cockroach species in North America. Not only are adult Florida woods cockroaches around an inch-and-a-half long, they are also about an inch in length. They have wings like other roaches, however, even as adults, their wings are never fully developed. Adult roaches possess two small tegmina (forewings) which extend from the back of the body. These tegmina help Florida woods cockroaches sense vibrations both in the air and on the ground. 

Where Do Florida Woods Cockroaches Generally Live?

Florida woods cockroaches are most commonly found in the Southeastern United States, in dark, moist environments. They eat a diet of decaying plants, moss, molds and several other kinds of organic material. You will most likely find them hidden under logs, in tree stumps, under piles of dead leaves and possibly under sheds or log piles near your home. Occasionally, Florida woods roaches find their way into your home looking for dark, warm and moist environments like those found in your kitchen or bathroom. If they do come inside, it is most likely an accident as your home does not provide them their preferred foods.

Are Florida Woods Cockroaches Dangerous?

Unlike the roaches they are often mistaken for, the Oriental and American roaches which trace bacterial and pathogens into your home, Florida woods cockroaches are not considered dangerous. However, if you are unlucky enough to get sprayed by a Florida woods cockroach, the foul-smelling chemical they emit can be irritating to your skin and eyes. Additionally, like all other roaches, they do leave behind skin and fecal matter wherever they go, which can trigger allergic reactions or asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. 

If you are worried about an infestation of Florida woods cockroaches in your home or on your property, the safest, most effective means to get rid of any roach problem is to call a professional pest care specialist. 

Find A Pest Specialist For Cockroach Control

If you are concerned about Florida woods cockroach control for your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.