Cockroach vs Palmetto Bug

Metro Orlando FL | Kissimmee - Sanford - Leesburg

Are you currently dealing with palmetto bugs around your home in Central FL? Our climate is ideal for these pests, who thrive off of warmth, moisture, and dark, shaded hiding spots to take refuge in. Based on their appearance, you might have wondered if there’s actually a difference between palmetto bugs and roaches. The truth is, there isn’t! Either way, though, these pests are notoriously resilient and difficult to get rid of without help. Learn more about the difference between cockroaches and palmetto bugs and what you can do to get rid of them with our roach exterminators at Heron Home & Outdoor!

Palmetto Bug vs Cockroach: What’s the Difference?

The Florida palmetto bug is actually a species of cockroach more commonly called the American cockroach. Their alternate name is a regional moniker that comes from their propensity to take shelter in and around palmetto plants. You can tell if you’re dealing with American cockroaches if you can pinpoint these features:

• Light brown coloration that darkens toward the center of their backs
• Long antenna and long, spikey legs
• Bodies around 2” in length with wing covers extending past their abdomen

While these pests are attracted to sweet foods and damp sheltered areas, they will eat just about anything and live just about anywhere. This is why it’s important to be on guard for them consistently—if you let them establish themselves in your home, their numbers will grow rapidly.

How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs

Because cockroaches are so tough to get rid of, the best defense mechanism is taking proper preventative measures to keep them out of your home in the first place. Here are some ways you can stay on top of cockroach prevention in your daily life:

1. Restrict them from food: Make sure you are storing your food properly by sealing it in airtight containers and stowing it away as soon as you’re done eating.
2. Sweep and mop: Cleaning up spilled food and drink promptly is one of the most important ways to keep palmetto bugs away. They are particularly attracted to alcoholic beverages, especially beer, so make sure to wipe it up quickly if you spill any.
3. Declutter your home: Having a cluttered home will create many opportunities for American cockroaches to find places to hide. A neat and tidy home is cockroach-proof, for the most part.

Cockroach Control in Central FL

If you’ve tried these prevention methods and are still finding roaches in your home, you might be scrambling to find a commercial cockroach control product that can tackle your infestation. However, these sprays and traps rarely do the trick because they fail to assess your roach problem at the source. A professional cockroach exterminator can find the reason for your infestation and any breeding grounds, wiping them out and helping you correct the problem to ensure you never deal with an infestation again. Contact our team at Heron Home & Outdoor for a free quote on cockroach control!