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Just What Florida Needs: More And Bigger Roaches

Photo by MICKEY ANDERSON of the University of Florida

Entomologists warn Floridians new roaches may be on the way.

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By ADAM EMERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 9, 2008

How would you like to find a 3-inch-long hissing roach in your home?

Researchers at the University of Florida are betting you won't but are worried you may step on one sooner than later.

Scientists Phil Koehler and Roberto Pereira said a growing interest in raising roaches for pet reptile food may import invasive species of roaches into a state that already has its share of the insect.

The researchers with UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are particularly worried about the Turkestan roach, which hitched a ride with soldiers and military equipment returning from the Middle East.

"We have 69 species of roaches in the United States, and 29 of them were brought in from other countries," Koehler, an entomology professor, said in a written statement. "And now we have these new species being shipped into the state."

Internet suppliers are shipping the roaches nationwide, and reptile owners can reproduce them en masse. Koehler and Pereira said homeowners and pet-control operators should watch out for the Turkestan roach, the 3-inch-long Madagascar hissing roach, the lobster roach and the orange spotted roach.

Reporter Adam Emerson can be reached at (813) 259-8285.

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