Is that a Palmetto Bug or American Cockroach Infestation in Your Ocala, FL Home?
Is your pest control guy talking about palmetto bugs and then later started rambling on about cockroaches. You may start to feel lost in the conversation and now you’re wondering “what’s a palmetto bug and what does it have to do with cockroaches?” Answer, a palmetto bug is a cockroach and is a specific species known as the American Cockroach. Palmetto bugs are a nickname given to the American cockroach since they are commonly found in palm leaves.
Palmetto Bug AKA American Cockroach Identification
The palmetto bug is one of the largest breed of cockroaches in the south regions in America, favoring warm humid climates. They get up to 1.5 inches long and can be quite an intimidating bug to have around. On top of that, they have a nasty habit of flying at people’s faces when one is opening doors. However, the palmetto bug is not deliberately flying at people. They are drawn to light. If you’re encountering a problem with the palmetto bug, keep an alternative light on to prevent a close in counter with this large cockroach. Both male and female palmetto bugs are reddish brown and equipped with a set of wings, although they are not the best flyers. You will mostly see them use their wings to guide them down from high places. The palmetto bugs are typically found in palm trees. They use the leaves to hide under and use the trunk as camouflage. This makes the palm tree a great place to lay their eggs. However, they’re not just confined to trees and high places. They will go anywhere they can to find food and shelter. If weather conditions are unsuitable, the palmetto bug will invade buildings. They travel in large numbers ranging in the hundreds to thousands making the invasion a serious problem.
American Cockroach Prevention; How to Keep Palmetto Bugs Out
Palmetto bugs will go to the closest structure or building when searching for safety. If you want to avoid a legion of cockroaches invading your home during the next storm or heat wave you may want to take steps now. Palmetto bugs hide during the day and come out at night to feed, mate, and lay their eggs. Removing any potential hiding places is a big step on keeping the palmetto bug numbers down. Starting in the yard, remove any wood stacks away from your home as far as possible. Avoid having any piles of yard debris present. Remove leaves from gutters and drainage systems as palmetto bugs like damp vegetation to hide in and eat. Avoid having too much clutter around the house or building. Remove the desire for these insects to venture close to your establishment. Have a pest control company treat the outside and inside of your home and buildings regularly. Cockroaches are very hard to get rid of and DIY over the counter products are not good enough to solve your cockroach problem. Palmetto bugs can even become tolerant to some pesticides. Using a certified pest control company is the most effective option for long lasting results.
Signs of American Cockroach Infestations
Pest 911 has a few tips to determine if you have a palmetto bug problem. Conduct a smell test. Where palmetto bugs travel in numbers it’s easy to detect that musty smell they leave in the air. Look for chew marks on paper items, especially those with glues and adhesives. If you find small chunks of shed skin and feces that may look like pepper flakes; this could be a sign of a palmetto bug infestation. If you even suspect you are sharing your living space with cockroaches or other pests, contact Pest 911 today!
