The Spruce / Mira Norian
Palmetto bugs are a throw in ofcockroachcalled the American cockroach or smokybrown cockroach.
It takes precision to treat palmetto bug issues as they can be challenging to eliminate.
Palmetto Bug Identification
Palmetto bugs are the largest house-infesting cockroach, measuring 1 to 2 inches long.
The Spruce / Mira Norian
They are shiny, with reddish brown coloring and light tan spots on their head.
Palmetto bugs have wings but tend to glide as they are not strong fliers.
Male palmetto bugs have longer wings than females.
An American cockroach, also known as a palmetto bugPaul Starosta
Palmetto bugs hide among these trees, especially near lakes or ponds.
Paul Starosta
Goldfinch4ever/iStock/GettyImages
What Attracts Palmetto Bugs?
Palmetto bugs are widespread and look for specific circumstances to meet their needs.
A smokybrown cockroach (right) stuck in an adhesive trap.
How do you get rid of them, and more importantly, how do you keep them away?
Here are solutions to eliminating palmetto bugs.
Except for chemical controls (pesticides), the rest are child and pet-safe.
Oriental Cockroaches, also known as water bugsGoldfinch4ever/iStock/GettyImages
Property management and other tenants should work together to control palmetto bug issues.
How to Prevent Palmetto Bugs
Seek to eliminate any conditions that are inviting to the palmetto bugs.
A professional can determine the underlying cause and any other deeper-seated issues to fix.
If so, it’s time to call a professional pest control company for a consultation.
Permanently get rid of palmetto bugs in your house with an integrated pest management (IPM) plan.
They lay eggs in random dark areas of your house but not necessarily in one spot.
Palmetto bugs can use sewage and plumbing pipes to make their way inside homes.
Cockroaches and Their Management.
2016;10(4):528-537.
