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. It offers facts about their habits and practical advice on identifying, preventing, and controlling them.
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 roaches are a little 1.1 to 1.6 cm long, the American Roach is a staggering 1.5 to 3 INCHES next to it! Their body colors are alike but you’d know the difference if they were next to each other. The German Roach, as seen below, has a lighter brown almost translucent look to it’s 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. When looking for American Roach feces it 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.
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. This can be food damage, feces or dead ones around often.
Natural Deterrents vs Repellents
When dealing with the normal amount of them, such as seeing them maybe once or twice a month, there are also natural deterrents you can put out to try to keep them away, but 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 same. This could be 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. It’s best to eliminate these possibilities if you can, simply because it’s worth it to prevent the problem before it becomes one.
Natural deterrents are scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and citronella. These scents can keep them from wanting to enter your home as it interferes with their senses and confuses 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 the other insects feces, anything that will allow 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 foundation and around pipes looking for safety. They stop at almost nothing to survive.
How to Prevent Cockroaches
A great way to combat their possible intrusion is to reduce standing water (leaky pipes, dish water and gathered water) , wiping down trashcans and inspecting things like boxes and bags before they enter your home. 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 too, we’d be happy to help. If you want more information on German Roaches, check out our article on them!
Expert Insight
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.
Call Turbo Pest Solutions to find out more about your pest solution at (352) 345-7572