Cockroach Control in Mims, FL

Updated September 2026

Cockroach Control in Mims

Mims is an unincorporated community in northern Brevard County, on U.S. 1 and the Indian River Lagoon just north of Titusville. Settled in the 1880s, it was a citrus center, Mims oranges were shipped nationwide, and the old packing houses and groves helped define the town. Today Mims is a quiet mix of older homes, manufactured homes, rural lots, riverfront properties and newer subdivisions, with views across the lagoon to Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The lagoon, salt marsh, pine flatwoods and the St. Johns River marshes to the west keep the area humid most of the year, with occasional frosts. Palmetto bugs, smokybrowns and woods roaches are the most common calls, with Australian cockroaches in landscaping.

The Cockroaches Mims Residents Report Most

Notes by Type of Property

Mims Oranges

Mims was one of the leading citrus towns on the Indian River, and its groves and packing houses shipped famous Indian River fruit for decades. Freezes, development and citrus greening have taken most groves, but some old grove land and packing sites remain. Neglected groves shelter roaches near homes; a clear perimeter and picking up fallen fruit help.

Across From the Space Center

Riverfront homes in Mims look across the lagoon to the Merritt Island refuge and Kennedy Space Center launch pads. Salt marsh along the shore supports palmetto bugs, and docks and seawalls add shelter. Keeping gear dry and sealing river-facing doors help. Launch days draw crowds to the shoreline.

• Seawall gaps
• Dock storage
• Salt marsh edges
• Unsealed river-side doors

The St. Johns Marshes

West of I-95, rural Mims borders the vast upper St. Johns River marshes and Buck Lake conservation area. Homes there see more palmetto bugs and woods roaches; clear strips help.

The 1951 Moore Home

Mims is also known for the Harry T. and Harriette Moore Cultural Complex, honoring civil rights leaders whose home was bombed in 1951. The memorial park preserves the site and draws visitors year-round.

A Year of Cockroach Activity in Mims

Local Details Worth Knowing in Mims

Near the Space Center's North Entrance

Mims sits near the north entrance to Kennedy Space Center, though residential service needs are similar to any nearby Brevard community.

Wooded and Grove Surroundings

Wooded and citrus-grove surroundings keep outdoor species a regular presence near tree lines around Mims.

A Spread-Out Community

Mims is an unincorporated area, so confirming your road helps route the right technician.

Older Homes

Older homes near U.S. 1 date to the citrus era, some with crawlspaces. Screening vents and sealing floor penetrations help.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are common. Skirting gaps shelter roaches; repairing skirting helps.

Occasional Frosts

North Brevard sees occasional frosts, the same cold that hurt the groves. Outdoor roaches move into garages and walls; sealing gaps helps.

After Hurricanes

Hurricanes Matthew in 2016, Irma in 2017 and Nicole in 2022 brought wind and flooding. Debris and wet ground push roaches toward homes.

Growth

New subdivisions are going up near I-95 and SR 46. Land clearing pushes roaches toward nearby homes.

Launch Viewing

Rocket launches bring crowds to riverfront parks. Trash left after launches draws roaches; prompt cleanup helps.

Wells and Septic

Rural homes use wells and septic. Pump houses stay damp; checking them helps.

Lanais and Landscaping

Lanais and landscaping shelter Australian cockroaches; keeping them dry helps.

Near Titusville

Residents shop in Titusville. Boxes can carry German cockroaches; unpacking outside helps.

Firewood and Brush

Woodpiles and brush shelter woods roaches; keep them away from walls.

Pets and Livestock Feed

Pet food and feed left out overnight draw palmetto bugs; sealed bins help.

Moving to Mims

Newcomers are often surprised by outdoor roaches on rural lots. Most wander in; sealing handles most of it.

Sheds and Barns

Sheds and barns on rural lots collect tarps and cardboard. Storing items on shelves helps.

Churches and Community Events

Churches and community groups in Mims host suppers, fish fries and events. Kitchens used occasionally benefit from periodic checks and prompt cleanup.

Garages and Carports

Garages and carports collect cardboard, fishing gear and yard supplies. Replacing worn seals and storing items in plastic bins help.

Prevention Steps That Fit Mims

• Keep a clear strip near old groves and woods.
• Pick up fallen fruit.
• Store dock gear dry.
• Repair manufactured home skirting.
• Check pump houses for leaks.
• Check seals on new homes.
• Seal gaps before frosts.

Which Roach Is It?

Reasonable First Steps

Check under sinks and behind appliances after dark, look in garages, sheds and utility areas, note what you see and where, and take a photo with a coin for scale. That tells a specialist whether you're dealing with an indoor German cockroach problem or outdoor species wandering in.

What to Expect When You Call

Tell us your neighborhood or road, what type of home you have and where you've been seeing roaches. We'll connect you with an independent specialist who covers Brevard County, and pricing is discussed directly before any work begins.

Packing Houses and Grove Buildings

Mims' citrus packing houses and grove buildings once lined the railroad and U.S. 1, and a few old warehouses, sheds and fruit stands remain. Vacant or lightly used buildings with dry drains, stored crates and cardboard give palmetto bugs and German cockroaches places to live close to homes. Owners who keep these buildings closed up and clean help neighbors, and homeowners nearby benefit from sealed garages and a clear perimeter.

A Rural North Brevard Community

Mims has kept much of its rural character, with large lots, horse properties, pastures and small farms spread between U.S. 1 and the St. Johns marshes. Barns, feed rooms, chicken coops and wells are common, and each adds shelter for outdoor roaches. Storing feed in sealed bins, cleaning out unused outbuildings and keeping a mowed buffer around the house help keep roaches from reaching the walls.

Start here

Which One Did You See?

Small and indoors: German cockroach

• About half an inch, tan to light brown
• Found in kitchens and bathrooms

Large and mostly outdoors: palmetto bug

• 1 to 1.5 inches, reddish-brown
• Also called the American cockroach

Full identification guide →

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