Roaches get in...

It’s not hard to understand why December to April are the busiest months of the year here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Hurricane season is (usually) over, and our subtropical temperatures look like an excellent respite from the cold winds and snow dominating most of the country.

Warblers, sandpipers, and other shore birds winter here – or at least take a break on their way to even more southern climes. And of course, we have our own species of birds – snowbirds who migrate to second homes once the mercury starts to drop.

Naturally, the wonderful weather also attracts 6-legged guests to our homes – even though we never invite them in. If you’re new to Florida, you might think that winter is a time of welcome relief from the myriad of bugs that bother us. But insects are cold-blooded. And just like 50-degrees feels cooler to you now than it did when you first got here, their “blood has thinned" too.

As a result, many insects may sneak into your house – for a little warmth and for a reliable food source. And none is more resilient and disgusting than the cockroach.

A Roach by Any Other Name

Of course, we like to call them “Palmetto Bugs.” Sounds classier and less gross. In fact, palmetto bugs are a specific type of flying cockroach that usually doesn’t end up in your house. They prefer rotten wood – mulch, woodpiles – and sewers. And they’re actually Periplaneta Americana, or American cockroaches.

Asian cockroaches, or Blattella asahinai, are also found mostly outside. Japanese imports in the 80’s brought these bugs to the United States, specifically to Florida and other southern states. They are nocturnal and will almost never enter a structure. Some research suggests that these roaches may help to control the caterpillars that ruin some agricultural crops, but more study needs to be done.

The most common roaches we find in homes and businesses in Southwest Florida are Blattella germanica, or German cockroaches. German cockroaches will eat anything and everything and they're known for scavenging their food. They prefer meats, starches, and fatty foods. But they will even chow down on household items like soaps and toothpaste!

Cockroaches spread many diseases and harmful bacteria like Salmonella. They also can have negative effects on asthma sufferers. Because they hide easily and reproduce rapidly, by the time you realize you have a German cockroach infestation, it’s usually too late to handle it on your own.

Notice of Eviction

The best thing you can do as soon as you spot a roach is to call a professional. There are just too many places for the little buggers to hide that you might miss. And even if you did get every single one in the house now, you don’t know how they got in. The good news is, our most popular treatment eliminates the bugs from your home cleanly and safely. And we thoroughly inspect and recommend where to seal up all potential access points so no more get in. And we don’t stop there.

Go Green Perimeter Plus takes care of all the usual insect suspects in Florida, and we use the greenest, safest options available. No harmful chemicals for your family or pets to worry about. For more details or to schedule your first appointment, give us a call!