Cockroaches and Their Management

P. G. Koehler, F. M. Oi and D. Branscome

Cockroaches are pests throughout the United States. They are annoying and, when abundant, they are also destructive. Cockroaches, also known as waterbugs, croton bugs, or palmetto bugs, destroy food and damage fabrics, book bindings, and other materials. When cockroaches run over food they leave filth and may spread disease. They secrete an oily liquid that has an offensive and sickening odor that may ruin food. This odor may also be imparted to dishes that are apparently clean. Excrement in the form of pellets or an ink-like liquid also contributes to this nauseating odor. Some people are allergic to cockroaches and become ill.

Kinds of Cockroaches

The kinds of cockroaches most commonly found in and around Florida homes are the Florida Woods Roach, American (Figure 1), smokybrown (Figure 2), brown (Figure 3), Australian (Figure 4), German (Figure 5) and Asian. The smallest cockroaches, the German, Asian, and brownbanded (Figure 6), are close to the same size and the adults are seldom more than 5/8" long. The larger cockroaches, the American, Australian, brown, and the smokybrown, are 1 1/4" - 2" long and are often called palmetto bugs. Though they are generally found outdoors, they can become an indoor problem when they migrate or are carried indoors. The largest cockroach, the Florida woods roach, will also enter dwellings from the outside or from beneath the house. Outdoor cockroaches do not survive well indoors and many times people overreact to the presence of these cockroaches. Often, removal of these outdoor cockroaches from the house is all that is needed for control.

Figure 1.  American cockroach (actual size, 1 1/2").

Figure 2.  Smokybrown cockroach (actual size, 1 3/4").

Figure 3.  Brown cockroach (actual size, 1 1/2").

Figure 4.  Australian cockroach (actual size 1 1/2").

Figure 5.  German cockroach (actual size 5/8").

Figure 6.  Brownbanded cockroach (actual size, 3/4").

The Asian cockroach (Figure 7) looks very much like a German Cockroach, except it flies. Asian cockroaches are attracted to the lights in your home. They will fly to porch lights and find their way inside. Once inside, however, their survival is poor like other outdoor cockroaches.

Figure 7.  Asian cockroach (actual size 5/8").

Development of the Cockroach

The cockroach has three life stages: the egg, nymph, and adult. Cockroach eggs are deposited in groups in a leathery case or capsule called an ootheca. This capsule is usually dropped or glued to some surface by the female as soon as it is formed; however, the female German cockroach carries the capsule protruding from her body until the eggs are ready to hatch. There may be from 30 to 48 eggs in the capsule of the German cockroach, but capsules of other cockroaches may have only 10-28 eggs.

The newly hatched nymphs have no wings and shed their skins (molt) several times before becoming winged adults. German and brownbanded cockroaches may have several generations per year, but the outdoor species may require a year to develop from egg to adult.

Where to Look for Cockroaches

Cockroaches hide in dark, sheltered places during the day and come out to feed at night. They may be found around the kitchen sink or drain board, in cracks around or underneath cupboards and cabinets or inside them (especially in the upper corners), behind drawers, around pipes or conduits (where they pass along the wall or go through it), behind windows or door frames, behind loose baseboards or molding strips, on the underside of tables and chairs, in the bathroom, and in radio and TV cabinets.

The German cockroach is usually found in the kitchen and bathroom, although it may be found all over the house. The other kinds of cockroaches prefer damp, warm places and usually develop in garages, sewers, attics, storerooms and similar locations. They then enter the home from outside breeding sites.

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To view this complete article, please reference the EDIS website for the Univerisity of Florida