Florida Woods Cockroach
The Florida Woods Cockroach – sometimes called the Palmetto Bug, is one of the largest roach species in the state.
Despite its intimidating appearance, this roach is mostly an outdoor pest, often found around palmetto trees, mulch beds, and damp crawl spaces.
While they prefer outdoor habitats, they can enter homes seeking shelter or moisture, especially after heavy rain or landscape disturbance.
Because of their size and ability to glide short distances, many homeowners mistake them for flying roaches. Professional treatment is the best way to prevent recurring invasions and reduce harborage around your property.
What Florida Woods Cockroach Look Like
Florida Woods Cockroaches are among the easiest to identify due to their large size and distinct reddish-brown color.
Key identifying features include:
- Length: 1½ to 2 inches long
- Color: dark reddish-brown with a glossy finish
- Large, broad body with shortened wings (unable to sustain long flight)
- Emits a strong odor when disturbed (nicknamed the “stinking roach”)
- Commonly found in palmetto leaves, woodpiles, and gutters
Behavior and Nesting Habits
Florida Woods Cockroaches live outdoors year-round in warm, humid environments. They prefer shaded, moist areas with plenty of organic material.
Common nesting sites include:
- Piles of leaves, mulch, or firewood
- Under palm fronds, logs, and potted plants
- Damp crawl spaces or storage sheds
- Roof gutters and drains
- Around exterior lighting and entry points
While not as invasive as German or American roaches, they can wander indoors through cracks, vents, or open doors, especially at night or after heavy rainfall.
Signs of a Florida Woods Cockroach Infestation
- Large, reddish-brown roaches seen outdoors or near entryways
- A strong, musty odor near outdoor storage areas
- Roaches entering through sliding doors, vents, or garages
- Molted skins or droppings in damp corners
- Occasional indoor sightings after storms
⚠️ Even occasional sightings often indicate outdoor populations nesting close to the structure.
Florida Woods Cockroach FAQs
Do Florida Woods Cockroaches infest homes like German roaches?
No – they mainly live outdoors but can occasionally enter homes.
Do they fly?
They have wings and can glide short distances but are not strong fliers.
Are they dangerous?
They don’t bite or sting, but they can carry bacteria and produce foul odors.
Why do they smell?
They release a defensive secretion that deters predators, earning them the nickname “stinking roach.”
How can I keep them out?
Seal cracks, reduce outdoor moisture, and maintain regular pest control service to keep populations low.
Get Your Free Cockroach Control Quote
Even if Florida Woods Cockroaches live mostly outdoors, seeing them near your home can be unsettling.
Our licensed Florida technicians specialize in perimeter protection and exclusion treatments that stop roaches before they reach your walls or doors.
Whether it’s your home, garage, or patio, we provide safe, odor-free pest control tailored for Florida’s outdoor conditions.
Request your free inspection and quote today – and keep your property protected year-round.
Damage Caused by Florida Woods Cockroaches
These roaches aren’t destructive to property, but they can still create hygiene concerns.
Their droppings and secretions may trigger allergies, and their odor can cling to surfaces if infestations are ignored.
Common issues include:
- Contaminated surfaces in outdoor kitchens and patios
- Musty odors near garbage or mulch areas
- Roach sightings near entryways and drains
- Unpleasant odor when crushed or disturbed
💡 Routine inspection and exterior barrier treatments are the best ways to keep these outdoor roaches from invading your space.
How to Get Rid of Florida Woods Cockroaches
DIY Steps:
- Remove debris, woodpiles, and leaf litter near the house
- Keep gutters clear and reduce outdoor moisture
- Install door sweeps and seal foundation gaps
- Limit outdoor lighting that attracts them at night
Professional Treatment:
Our pest control experts apply non-repellent barrier sprays, crack-and-crevice dusting, and entry-point exclusion to block roach access.
We also provide yard and perimeter treatments to reduce populations around landscaping and structural edges.
👉 Contact us for Professional Florida Woods Cockroach Treatment >>
Prevention Tips
- Trim vegetation away from exterior walls
- Store firewood and mulch at least 20 feet from the house
- Keep outdoor trash bins tightly sealed
- Schedule quarterly pest service for exterior protection
- Inspect entry points after rain or storms
When to Call a Professional
If you’re seeing large roaches near lights, porches, or baseboards after dark, it’s time for an inspection.
While Florida Woods Cockroaches don’t infest like German roaches, outdoor populations can grow fast and increase indoor sightings.
Our In Touch Pest Control experts will identify harborage zones, treat breeding areas, and apply lasting barriers around your property.
Don’t wait until they invade your home — book your Florida Woods Cockroach inspection today.
