TL;DR — This article explains the basics of Palmetto roaches (often called palmetto bugs) — large cockroaches common in Central Florida — how they behave, why they're attracted to homes, and what you can do about them to protect your home and health.
Palmetto Roaches, or American Roaches, are one of the most common bugs you will see in Central Florida and most southern states in general. They are often everywhere depending on where in the Sunshine State you live. The more humid it is, the more you can expect to see them.
Some people believe they operate like German Roaches — get in, wreak havoc, infest, and never leave — but this isn't completely true.
Differences Between German and American Roaches
There are key differences between the American and German roach. First off is the most obvious difference — their sizes. While the German roach is a little 1.1 to 1.6 cm long, the American Roach is a staggering 1.5 to 3 inches in comparison. Their body colors are alike but you'd know the difference if they were next to each other.
The German Roach has a lighter, almost translucent brown coloring. Meanwhile the American Roach has a deep, almost cedar color to it — earning it the nickname "smokey-brown roach."
Another difference you can look for if you're fearing an infestation is their feces. German roaches leave behind feces that look like ground pepper or coffee grounds — very small, very fine. American Roach feces looks similar but just like the two bugs, it's the size that shows the quickest difference. They're a little bigger and usually more spread out depending on the clutter of the area.
Why Florida Is a Hotspot
Florida is loved so much by these bugs because we're the closest to their ideal climate. They love humid areas that stay warm and wet almost year-round — which is Florida through and through. We also have tons of water areas that keep that habitat maintained.
They commonly keep to the outdoors, but seeing one every now and then indoors is not uncommon. When it becomes an issue is when you're seeing them often and there's proof of them living with you — food damage, feces, or dead ones around frequently.
Natural Deterrents vs. Repellents
When dealing with the normal amount of them — such as seeing them maybe once or twice a month — there are natural deterrents you can put out to try to keep them away. However, never buy any repellant spray from the store.
When you use repellants on an already existing problem, it doesn't get rid of it. Instead it pushes it further into your house, scaring them into hiding wherever is safe — under your sink where there's an unknown leaky faucet, in your cabinets with your spices and cake mixes, or even in your pet food.
Natural deterrents include scents like:
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Lavender
- Citronella
These scents can keep them from wanting to enter your home as they interfere with their senses and confuse them.
Why Are Cockroaches in My Home?
These roaches are what's called opportunistic omnivores — eating any organic matter including decaying plants, garbage, crumbs, pet food, paper, glue, leather, and even other insects. They will eat dead or alive insects and sometimes even other insects' feces. Anything that allows them to survive.
They come into our homes looking for anything that will allow them the opportunity to survive: somewhere humid, with food and shelter. Things like leaks causing moisture, cluttered spaces, and dark warm areas can cause it to become more of an infestation, as these are breeding grounds. They will squeeze through tiny cracks in walls, holes in foundations, and around pipes looking for safety.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
A great way to combat their possible intrusion is to:
- Reduce standing water — fix leaky pipes, drain dish water, eliminate gathered water
- Wipe down trash cans regularly
- Inspect boxes and bags before bringing them inside
- Seal cracks around pipes, walls, and the foundation
- Keep food stored in sealed containers
- Reduce clutter in dark, warm areas like garages and under sinks
While these bugs are harmless as far as being venomous goes, they are not fun guests to have in your home by any means. If you're seeing them often — or even any more than you'd like to — we'd be happy to help.
Call Turbo Pest Solutions to find out more about your pest solution at (352) 345-7572.
Written by a licensed pest control professional with hands-on experience serving residential and commercial properties in Citrus County, Florida, supported by consistent positive customer reviews on Google.