Palmetto Bugs

Everyone has heard of cockroaches, but there is often confusion when it comes to identifying a Palmetto bug vs. cockroaches. While sometimes used incorrectly when referring to other types of cockroaches, the Palmetto bug is generally another name for the American cockroach and only a few other roach varieties. Most often, this term is used by those in Florida and other Southeastern states within the US. and it comes directly from these roaches’ tendency to gather around Palmetto trees (or Sabal Palms) – the state tree of Florida. When not gathered around these trees, the pests prefer spaces with easy access to decomposing vegetation or wood as both are a staple in their diet.

Discerning an American cockroach, or Palmetto bug, from other cockroach varieties can be difficult because of the similarities in appearance. These insects are large, winged bugs, with fully-developed adults usually reaching between 1.5 and 2 inches in length. Usually, they are reddish brown or dark brown, and they have long antennae. They also have a band of pale yellow or cream on their anterior segment. Despite their less-than-appealing appearance, what is most shocking about Palmetto bugs is their tendency to fly towards light sources. If you’ve ever turned on an outside light and been greeted with a cockroach darting straight towards it – it was likely a Palmetto bug. In addition to light, these pests gravitate towards dampness, making basements and garages particularly prone to infestations.

The good news is that Palmetto bugs don’t often bite humans, and when they do – those bites aren’t painful or dangerous. The dangers exist in the fact that these pests often carry with them bacteria and pathogens which can contaminate the home and food items within it. One of the most commonly transmitted is salmonella, which can be dangerous when ingested by humans or pets. Also, as cockroaches shed their skin and track their feces throughout the home, those substances can cause adverse reactions in some – particularly those with breathing conditions like asthma. Because of these dangers, it’s important to contact professional pest control experts at the first sign of an infestation.

IDENTIFYING AND TREATING A PALMETTO BUG INFESTATION

Palmetto bugs are nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the overnight hours. Because of this, they can go unnoticed in a home for a while. There are some signs to look for other than actually spotting the pests themselves. Take note of any musty odor, especially in high-humidity spaces. Also, look for any signs of bite marks on paper goods and linens in the home. Because Palmetto bugs love starches and adhesives, their marks can often be found on curtains or envelopes. Because the pests regularly shed their skin, discarded skins are another sign of an issue.

Especially in Florida, never running into a Palmetto bug in your home is rare. However, certain precautions can be taken to best keep the pests outside. Similar to a lot of household pests, Palmetto bugs don’t need much space to enter the building. They can easily sneak in through cracks in the foundation, small tears in window screens, or gaps around window and door frames. Thus, it’s important to seal any noticeable cracks or holes on any of these surfaces. As they are attracted to damp environments, plumbing systems provide Palmetto bugs another avenue to reach the inside of a building. So, address any pipe leaks or damaged plumbing components quickly.

General tidiness, especially when it comes to food, is another great strategy. Clean up any food or drink spills quickly, and ensure all food containers are properly sealed. Empty trash bins regularly as well, and keep those receptacles as clean as possible.

Sometimes, even the best-protected homes or businesses fall victim to a Palmetto bug infestation inside. Because of the health risks that having these pests inside poses, it’s critical to address a potential situation promptly. Finding an occasional one inside isn’t too much of a cause for concern. However, if multiple sightings or signs appear that might indicate a larger issue, the best next step is to call in a team of local pest control professionals. This goes for Palmetto bugs and all other types of cockroaches. Only a trained eye can identify the severity of an issue, identify the best treatment method, and recommend and implement precautionary tactics to prevent it from reoccurring.

As with most pest issues, the best prevention method involves regular pest inspections. Because of the nocturnal nature of Palmetto bugs, often a problem exists long before visible signs appear. Bringing in professionals regularly to assess and address any issues or vulnerabilities in your home keeps the chances of a severe infestation low. Whether you suspect Palmetto bugs are causing an issue in your home or business or if you simply want to better protect it from future issues, we encourage you to contact the team at Knockout Pest Control!