What Are Palmetto Bugs and How Do You Keep Them Out of Your House?

If you’ve likely heard of “palmetto bugs” before, you may be wondering what they actually are. Are they just a fancy way of saying “cockroach,” or is there a difference? Or you may not care a bit – all you want is for them to get out of your house. Either way, we can help.

The experts at Lookout Pest Control have extensive experience with palmetto bugs. Read on to learn what they are, and what you can do about them.

What Are Palmetto Bugs?

Palmetto bugs are large, winged, typically reddish-brown insects that you find in your house. Their appearance may or may not be accompanied by somebody shouting a choice few words.

Palmetto Bugs vs Roaches

How do you tell the difference between a palmetto bug and a roach? It’s a trick question: there are no differences between a palmetto bug and a roach.

That’s right: a palmetto bug is another name for a cockroach. There is no insect species called a “palmetto bug.” When someone points out a “palmetto bug, it’s most likely an American cockroach or smoky-brown cockroach, but palmetto bugs may also refer to any type of outdoor cockroach that finds its way indoors. Palmetto bugs are also sometimes called “water bugs.” 

Generally, “palmetto bug” does not refer to the smaller type of cockroaches that live indoors (German cockroaches, for example).

Why Are They Called Palmetto Bugs?

It is said that the palmetto bug earned its nickname because it was often found hiding under the shaded leaves of palm trees. Palmetto bugs thrive in a warm, humid habitat, which is why they sometimes flee from the unforgiving conditions outside into a nice cozy home. 

Why Do Palmetto Bugs Come Inside?

American cockroaches usually do not enter your house because they are looking for food, but instead, they enter your home in search of warm air and water. 

Since these bugs thrive in wet living places, it is in your best interest to try to make your home as dry as possible. American cockroaches love warm, tropical weather. Inside your home, they look for the darkest, dampest spot. You would most likely find them in kitchens, in crawlspaces, under sinks, or in tub drains.

4 Ways to Keep Palmetto Bugs Out of Your House

1. Keep your home tidy. The number one way to prevent a cockroach infestation is to keep your home clean. Wipe down any surface where food is prepared, don’t leave out dirty dishes, vacuum and sweep your floors regularly, and don’t hoard clutter in your home.
2. Fix drips and leaks ASAP. Water leaks and sweating pipes create an ideal home for palmetto bugs. If you have a leak, dry everything that can be dried with paper towels, and keep those wet towels in a sealed plastic bag.
3. Seal entryways, windows, and doors. Close off any possible way that roaches can enter your home. Seal any cracks and gaps in floors, walls, cabinets, pipes, and electrical cables. Make sure that all the windows and doors fit tightly with their frames in size and shape with no cracks. Also, try not to leave the door open during cold seasons.
4. Cut your bushes, and clean up fallen leaves around your home. These pests really love foliage and they will hide under leaf debris, so make sure to clean up fallen leaves around your home. Keep exterior shrubs and trees cut back a minimum of 18″ from your house. (Stone, cedar mulch, or recycled tire mulch are better choices than pine straw.) Additionally, keep your gutters cleaned with the water draining away from your home.

Call Lookout Pest Control for Palmetto Bug Control Services

These tips should help prevent a palmetto bug infestation in your home, but if you do have unwelcome critters in your residence be sure to give us a call. We provide dependable services and work with you for long-term solutions.

If you suspect a palmetto bug infestation in your home, call Lookout Pest Control to inspect, identify, and treat the problem.