Cuban Cockroach

Attribution:  Ltshears, [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Characteristics

Size:

Adults measure 3/4-inch to one inch in length.

Color:

Brightly colored, lime green.

Behavior:M

This species lives primarily outdoors and is considered a nuisance pest, as it does not breed inside homes. It is active at night and readily flies to lights on buildings where it crawls inside.

Habitats

The Cuban cockroach is found along the Southeast Gulf Coast from Florida to Texas, but it is more commonly seen in Florida. It lives among piles of leaves, mulch, lumber piles, firewood piles and similar outdoor harborages. Homes located on wooded lots may be more prone to encounters with this species.

Tips for Control

Because this species is a good flier, it may be attracted to a home from neighboring fields or property. Changing exterior lighting to yellow "bug" lights can help reduce the number of cockroaches attracted to a home, as can simply keeping lights turned off. It is also important to seal as many exterior cracks as possible, and to ensure that all foundation and attic vents have tight-fitting screens. Removing leaf piles, woodpiles and other harborages is also helpful.