8 Tips for Getting Rid of Florida Wood Roaches Quickly

If you’ve ever flicked on the kitchen light and spotted a big, reddish-brown bug with long antennae scurrying away, you’ve likely just encountered a Florida woods cockroach—sometimes called the palmetto bug.

While they don’t multiply indoors as rapidly as German cockroaches, these slow-moving pests are still a major nuisance for Florida homeowners. The good news is, there are ways to kick them out and keep them out for good.

Here’s how to get rid of them quickly and effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Mulch, woodpiles, and leaf litter attract Florida wood roaches, so keep these materials away from your home.
• Small cracks around doors, windows, and basements let roaches inside, so seal every opening with caulk.
• Outdoor lights, moisture, and clutter bring roaches closer, so reduce these attractants around and inside your house.
• Diatomaceous earth, vacuuming, and professional pest control can eliminate adult roaches, nymphs, and hidden egg cases.

1. Clean Up Leaf Litter, Mulch, and Woodpiles Around the House

Florida wood cockroaches love moisture and decaying plant matter. You’ll often find them hiding out in mulch, under woodpiles, or deep in leaf litter, especially near the foundation of your home. If these materials are stacked right up against your siding or garage, it can lead to an infestation fast.

Try to keep mulch at least 12–18 inches away from your home, and store firewood off the ground and away from exterior walls.

2. Seal Entry Points to Keep Roaches Out

Even though wood roaches don’t reproduce indoors like Oriental cockroaches, they’ll still come inside through tiny openings.

Inspect for cracks around windows, doors, and your foundation. Use caulk to seal crevices and gaps, especially in basements and attics where these pests might sneak in unnoticed.

You should also check for damage around dryer vents and plumbing penetrations, common entry points.

3. Limit Outdoor Lighting at Night

Florida wood roaches are nocturnal and highly attracted to artificial light.

If you leave porch lights on all night, you could be inviting these reddish-brown pests closer to your doors. Consider installing motion-sensor lights or switching to warm-colored bulbs that are less attractive to these species of cockroaches.

And if your open windows do not have screens, that’s just another way they might find their way inside.

4. Eliminate Excess Moisture Around Your Home

Standing water and high humidity are prime conditions for a wood roach infestation. Check around hose bibs, AC units, and gutters for leaks.

They are drawn to moisture and may settle into wet crawlspaces, basements, or under porches. Reducing water sources is a key part of any successful cockroach control strategy, indoors and out.

5. Clear Out Clutter and Decomposing Materials

A pile of soggy cardboard or old plant matter sitting outdoors in wooded areas is like a luxury resort for Florida wood roaches. They love clutter because it gives them plenty of hiding spots close to food sources.

Keep storage tidy and avoid using cardboard boxes if you’re storing items long-term. Stick with plastic bins and make sure the area stays dry.

6. Apply Diatomaceous Earth for Natural Roach Control

For a more natural way, try spreading food-grade diatomaceous earth in dry areas where roaches might travel, like baseboards, attic corners, or around door frames.

This fine powder physically damages the roaches’ exoskeleton, dehydrating and eventually killing them. Just don’t apply it to damp areas, or it’ll lose its effectiveness. It works on multiple species.

7. Vacuum Regularly to Remove Nymphs and Oothecae

Even though Florida wood roaches don’t typically breed indoors, nymphs or egg cases (oothecae) can be brought in with firewood or potted plants.

Vacuuming regularly, especially in hard-to-reach areas like attics, closets, or under large furniture, can help you remove these early stages before they become a bigger problem. Be sure to dispose of vacuum bags outside to avoid reintroducing pests.

8. Call a Professional Pest Control Service for Long-Term Relief

When you’ve tried everything and those dark brown roaches are still showing up, it’s time for professional pest control.

At Native Pest Management, we know the habits of Florida wood roaches and every species in between. We use proven products like Maxforce Complete around the home’s exterior and in attics to eliminate adult roaches, nymphs, and egg cases.

Our approach to cockroach infestations combines safe, pet-friendly baiting methods with targeted dusting and barrier treatments that are ideal for South Florida’s climate.

Whether you're dealing with American roaches, German roaches, or Florida's infamous palmetto bugs, we've got you covered.

We offer free inspections and pet-safe treatments tailored for Florida homes.