Cockroaches – They’re disgusting little creatures, yet in a place like Florida, they’re nothing short of commonplace. You may have heard of palmetto bugs, too, though. Exactly what are Palmetto bugs, and what do they have to do with cockroaches? It can be a bit confusing.
Palmetto Bug – Many Names, Many Creatures
Palmetto Bug isn’t actually a scientific name for a creature. Instead, it’s a “catch-all” term used to refer to a number of different species of cockroaches. In fact, you may even hear some beetles called palmetto bugs. You may even hear the term waterbug used with these little creatures. The term palmetto bug, though, most commonly refers to the American cockroach. These tend to be fairly large, and they usually have wings. They’re typically dark brown, and they have dark markings on their prothorax.
Most often, they want to be in damp spaces. Outside, that often translates to sewers, woodpiles, and even mulch. Inside, though, you may find them in your bathroom or basement. You may also find them anywhere you’ve experienced a leak.
In addition to the American cockroach, though, some people use the term palmetto bug to refer to the Florida Woods Roach, or Stink Roach. Stink roaches produce a fluid that smells absolutely disgusting, but it protects them from predators. These are very common in Florida, and they’re typically about 50 millimeters in length. Stinking cockroaches are usually a dark reddish color, and they have wide, shiny bodies. They have tiny wings on their heads, too. Wondering where they live? Palmetto trees are their favorite habitat.
Are They Dangerous?
Whether you’re talking about the Florida Woods Roach or the American Cockroach, neither is truly dangerous. They’re certainly a bit creepy, and while they’re not directly dangerous, having an infestation in your home can be. They can all transmit a number of different diseases in large numbers, and their feces can make those with breathing problems nothing short of miserable should they establish a colony in your home. While they’re a fact of life in Florida if you’re outside, they don’t have to create a home for themselves inside your space.
What You Can Do
If you’re fighting palmetto bugs or any other type of insect, there are several things you can do to keep them out of your house. First, close off any way a pest might enter your home. Make certain the windows and doors fit just as they should and that there are no problems with the screens. All of the holes and cracks should be carefully caulked. Keep your lawn short, and make certain bushes and shrubs are trimmed well away from your house. Keep leaf litter out of your yard as well.
If you’re fighting palmetto bugs in your yard, contact us today. We’ll be happy to help you find the right pest management plan.