Palmetto Bugs: What You Need to Know

Need to get rid of palmetto bugs? Read on to learn the answers to all of your important questions. Need help? Call our professionals today to get started.

What Is A Palmetto Bug?

Often considered of the most unpleasant creatures you may find in your home is the cockroach which has a similarly unpleasant name. Due to this, lots of areas in the United States have their own unique ways of calling this unsettling insect something more palatable. Enter: the “Palmetto bug,” a cute title for what typically either refers to the American cockroach or the smokybrown cockroach, both larger varieties of cockroach that reside in the Southeastern part of the United States. 

How Did The Palmetto Bug Get Its Name?

The name Palmetto bug is used primarily in the Southeastern portion of the United States, though also in places as far West as Texas, due to the fact that Palmetto trees are widely found in the Southeastern parts of the U.S. and is a common habitat for large cockroach species. Both American cockroaches and smokybrown cockroaches can often be found in and around fallen palmetto leaves that have turned brown and dry after falling from the tree. People often find Palmetto bugs while cleaning up debris around their home. 

What Are The Main Characteristics of Palmetto Bugs?

Smokybrown cockroaches are commonly dark, mahogany-brown in color and have a shiny appearance, while American cockroaches are brown in color with a pale yellow band around the edge of their head. Adult American cockroaches typically prefer to live in damp conditions. You can often find them in sewers, wood piles and mulch, but if you find them inside your home it will most likely be in the dampest place in your home which is often in your bathroom. American cockroaches are also attracted to light and are winged so you may also find that they will fly into your home when a door is opened to get near the light. 

Are Palmetto Bugs Dangerous?

American and Smoky Brown cockroaches are not dangerous and do not sting or bite. They typically only come into your home by accident in their search for food, water and warmth. However, if you are finding a lot of Palmetto bugs in your home there are a few things you can do to reduce the possibility of finding large roaches in your home. Firstly,make sure that your doors and windows are sealed and that there are no cracks or gaps in your external walls, as Palmetto bugs may be coming inside through those entrances. Secondly, make sure that your home is dry and that you don’t have any leaky pipes. Seal off any leaks and install a dehumidifier if necessary.

Though they are not dangerous, some people find that they are allergic to Palmetto bugs. Itchy skin and asthma are some of the reactions that people might have to Palmetto bugs in their home. 

When Should I Call Pest Control for Palmetto Bugs?

If you think your home is overrun with Palmetto bugs or roaches of any variety, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can help you with your problem. Reach out to a pest control specialist who is familiar with roaches of all varieties and can identify and take care of your problem quickly and conveniently.

Call Pest Control Experts today to get a free quote and to schedule your home pest inspection as soon as possible