Cockroach issues need to be treated with thought and precision, as they can be difficult to get a handle on. Severe cockroach infestations can lead to a strong, sickeningly musty smell that can linger long after the problem has been addressed. Also worth mentioning: Palmetto bugs and other cockroaches are known to spread illness.
What Do Palmetto Bugs Look Like?
Palmetto bugs are the largest house-infesting cockroach, measuring 27 to 40mm long. They are shiny, with reddish brown coloring and light tan spots on their head. Palmetto bugs have wings but tend to do more gliding, as they are not strong fliers. You can tell the males from the females because their wings are larger and longer. Also known as American cockroaches, palmetto bugs are commonly confused with other pests, especially the Smokybrown cockroach and Oriental cockroaches, also known as water bugs. Mistaking these pests is understandable. They are all part of the family Blattidae and appear similar, though there are certain differences in coloring, size, behavior, and general appearance.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs
While palmetto bugs are most common in commercial settings such as shipyards, warehouses, bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets, they frequently enter homes and apartments as well. How do you get rid of them, and more importantly, how do you keep them away?
Sanitation and Cleanliness
Cockroaches are attracted to mess of any kind. Open garbage receptacles, food spills, and pantry messes should all be cleaned up quickly to avoid providing a food source to palmetto bugs and other pests. It is not uncommon for alleyways and yard spaces to become seriously infested during the summer months. Before you bring items inside, inspect them to make sure you don’t have any palmetto bug stowaways.
Fix Leaks
Palmetto bugs are cockroaches, and cockroaches are attracted to damp, moist environments. They commonly live in wet places such as sewer systems and will use plumping and sewage pipes to access homes. While they may be present anyway, you can deter palmetto bugs from taking an interest in your space by making sure any leaks or damaged pipes are repaired promptly.
Seal Palmetto Bugs Out
If you are concerned that palmetto bugs could venture in from outside, seal up any cracks where they could come in from outside. This could mean putting proper sweeps on doors, caulking cracks along windowsills, or sealing up any splits between your bathroom tiles.
Trap Them
Trapping can be a great way to determine if you have a cockroach issue at all. There are a variety of cockroach traps available at the hardware store, and even just an adhesive trap with no bait inside can be effective, especially in monitoring the severity of a cockroach problem.
Chemical Control
In certain severe cockroach situations, chemical control can be necessary but should always be used as a last resort and in conjunction with other methods. If you’re hoping to treat with chemical on your own, start with baits. Baits are a great way to address a cockroach issue, especially when placed properly. Make sure to spread small spots of bait throughout areas where cockroaches are present. Because roaches feed on the go, this will encourage their natural feeding behaviors and make your baiting that much more effective. If you believe a more potent chemical treatment is needed, it’s a good idea to contact a pest control specialist. Find a local company that specializes in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). They will be able to help you assess the situation and determine the best course of action based on the specific needs of your home.
Signs of a Palmetto Bug Infestation
In moist, warm areas, palmetto bugs are active year-round. Aside from commercial settings such as restaurants and warehouses, palmetto bugs are most commonly found in damp basements and sewer areas, especially around pipes. There are three signs to look out for if you think you may have a cockroach issue in your home: Cockroaches and palmetto bugs are vectors for disease. If you or your loved ones are noticing a musky smell and one or more of you have contracted an illness such as salmonella, it may be time to start considering a possible interior cockroach issue.
What Causes a Palmetto Bug Problem?
In short, ideal environmental conditions create a palmetto bug issue. Palmetto bugs (American cockroaches) are widespread, and they look for specific circumstances that are ideal for meeting their needs. Palmetto bugs and other cockroaches are attracted to:
Moisture damage and leaky pipesFood messFermenting liquids
How to Keep Palmetto Bugs Away
Seek to eliminate any conditions that are inviting to the palmetto bugs. This includes:
Sealing up garbage cans and compost binsMaking sure pipes are not leakingKeeping spaces free of clutterCleaning up food and pantry spills quickly
