yuck! I have never seen one live -probably because I live in Oregon. And I am glad I have never seen one. How big are they? Can you squish them or are they too big? I guess it could be messy huh? When we were in Florida last there was a HUGE water cock roach in our room. It freaked my DD whose 16, it was slow I was fast and it made a big mess. I left it for the hotel staff it was in the entry area which was really big - yuck. I am ok with bugs for the most part they might creep me out but I can usually squish them without problem. BUT snakes I would be screaming and jumping on the closest table or tall object.