Getting rid of cockroaches in Orlando requires swift action and the right approach, as Florida’s heat and humidity allow roaches to breed and spread more quickly than in most other parts of the country.
Cockroaches thrive on moisture, food scraps, and shelter, and Orlando’s year-round warm climate gives them everything they need to survive inside kitchens, bathrooms, and wall voids.
If you’re seeing roaches in the open — even just one — it often means a larger infestation is already hidden nearby.
Understanding why roaches appear, where they hide, and how to treat them effectively is the key to eliminating them and preventing them from returning.
Green Behr Pest Control has helped countless Orlando homeowners get rid of cockroaches for good, and the steps below show how to take control quickly and safely.
Why Cockroaches Are a Common Problem in Orlando
Cockroaches thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why Florida consistently ranks among the worst states for infestations.
Orlando’s subtropical climate provides everything they need to survive year-round: heat, humidity, shelter, and abundant food sources.
The city’s mix of older buildings, dense neighborhoods, and lush landscaping also gives roaches plenty of places to hide, especially in commercial buildings and Airbnbs.
With temperatures rarely dropping low enough to slow them down, they reproduce continuously — meaning a small issue can become a widespread infestation in just weeks.
Common Cockroach Species in Central Florida Homes
Identifying the type of roach helps determine how aggressive the treatment plan needs to be. In Orlando, homeowners encounter three species most often:
- American Cockroach: Also called “palmetto bugs,” these large reddish-brown roaches often enter through drains, sewers, or gaps around utility lines. They contaminate food quickly and can spread bacteria throughout kitchens and bathrooms.
- German Cockroach: The most common indoor roach in Orlando. Small, tan, and fast-reproducing, they thrive in kitchens and anywhere food is stored. Even a minor German cockroach issue requires swift action due to their rapid breeding cycle.
- Smokybrown Cockroach: A shiny, dark-brown species often found outdoors but capable of flying inside through vents, attics, and open entry points. They prefer warm, humid spaces like garages, sheds, and crawl spaces.
How to Identify a Cockroach Infestation
Cockroaches hide exceptionally well, especially during the day, but they leave evidence behind. You may be dealing with an active infestation if you notice:
- Droppings that resemble black pepper flakes
- A musty or oily odor, especially in kitchens or bathrooms
- Egg capsules (ootheca) in cabinets or behind appliances
- Smear marks along walls or baseboards
- Roach sightings at night — or during the day, which signals a serious problem
The sooner you act on these signs, the easier the infestation is to eliminate.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches in Your Orlando Home
Eliminating cockroaches in Orlando takes a mix of inspection, sanitation, sealing, and targeted treatments. Here’s how homeowners can control light infestations before they spread.
Step 1: Locate the Source of Activity
Roaches rarely stay out in the open. They hide in warm, moist, and dark locations close to food and water. Start by inspecting under sinks, behind refrigerators and stoves, inside cabinets, around dishwashers, and in laundry or utility rooms.
Finding their hiding spots helps you place treatments where they’ll have the biggest impact.
Step 2: Remove Food and Water Access
Cockroaches can survive on very little, but crumbs, spills, and small leaks will keep them coming back. Seal food in airtight containers, wipe down counters nightly, clean up grease around appliances, and repair pipe or faucet leaks.
Reducing moisture and food access forces roaches toward bait stations and speeds up elimination.
Step 3: Use Baits and Gel Treatments Correctly
Gels and bait stations are the most effective DIY tools because roaches carry the bait back to the colony. Place them strategically in corners of cabinets, under appliances, near plumbing fixtures, and along wall edges.
Avoid spraying over these areas, since sprays repel roaches and can make bait stations less effective.
Step 4: Seal Cracks, Gaps, and Entry Points
Roaches can squeeze through gaps as thin as a credit card. Sealing cracks around baseboards, window frames, door seals, and utility openings keeps new roaches from entering and pushes existing ones toward treated areas.
Use caulk or weather-stripping to close off these access points.
Step 5: Keep the Home Clean and Clutter-Free
Clutter provides warmth, shelter, and hiding sites for roaches. Reducing piles of cardboard, paper, grocery bags, and unused items makes your home far less attractive to them.
Vacuuming regularly and taking out the trash daily also disrupts potential nesting sites.
Step 6: Call a Professional if the Problem Persists
DIY methods work for light infestations, but established colonies require professional treatment.
If you continue seeing roaches, noticing egg capsules, or smelling the musty odor of an active nest, a pest control technician can use targeted baits, insect growth regulators, and crack-and-crevice applications designed specifically for Orlando’s climate.
Preventing Future Cockroach Infestations in Florida’s Climate
Because Florida’s climate supports roaches year-round, prevention has to be ongoing. Our technicians recommend:
- Scheduling quarterly pest control services
- Keeping outdoor trash sealed tightly
- Using dehumidifiers in damp areas
- Trimming shrubs away from exterior walls
- Adding door sweeps and weather stripping
Getting rid of cockroaches in Orlando comes down to acting quickly, removing what attracts them, and using the right treatment method for your home. Because Florida’s climate allows roaches to thrive year-round, even a small infestation can spread fast if it’s left alone.
By finding the source, eliminating food and moisture, sealing entry points, and using effective baits, you can take control before the problem grows.
If roaches continue to appear or you’re seeing signs of a larger colony, professional pest control is the safest and most reliable way to eliminate them for good.
Green Behr Pest Control helps Orlando homeowners stop infestations at the source and keeps properties protected long-term.
FAQs
What attracts cockroaches to Orlando homes?
Warm, humid weather combined with food, moisture, and easily accessible entry points makes Orlando homes ideal for roaches. Even clean homes can attract them if leaks or cracks exist.
Are cockroaches worse in Florida than other states?
Yes. Florida’s subtropical climate allows roaches to remain active all year, leading to faster reproduction and more frequent infestations than in colder states.
How do I know if an infestation is serious?
Seeing roaches during the day, finding egg capsules, noticing strong odors, or spotting large droppings typically indicates a widespread infestation.
Can cockroaches spread disease?
Yes. According to the CDC, roaches can carry E. coli, salmonella, and pathogens linked to asthma and allergies, especially in children.
What is the best treatment for roaches?
Professional gel baits and insect growth regulators deliver the most reliable results. They work best when applied by licensed technicians who understand roach behavior and Orlando’s climate.
