What are Palmetto Bugs?
Palmetto bugs, also known as American cockroaches or waterbugs, are the largest type of cockroaches in Texas. They are often found in homes and businesses and can be terrifying, not only because of their size but also because they can fly.
Read more to learn about what palmetto bugs look like, if they are dangerous, how to prevent them, and what to do if you have an infestation.
What do palmetto bugs look like?
These bugs are large, reddish-brown cockroaches with flat bodies. They are about 1-2 inches long and have wings, although they don’t fly very well. They are often mistaken for true waterbugs, which are similar in appearance but smaller. Although not entirely accurate, people use the terms interchangeably.
How long do these insects live?
Palmetto bugs go through three life stages—egg, nymph, and adult. Females can lay up to 50 eggs at a time, which hatch after about two weeks. Nymphs look like small adults and go through several molts before reaching maturity. Adults can live for up to one year.
What attracts palmetto bugs?
Like many other cockroach species, these bugs are attracted to water and abundant food sources. This is why they are often found living in sewers and drain pipes.
Outdoors, palmetto bugs like to live in plants, mulch, and other places that tend to stay damp. The name comes from the fact that they are often found living in palmetto trees.
Inside your home, they can typically be found in warm, moist environments with plenty of food options, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Because they are attracted to food and water sources, keeping these areas clean and free of crumbs or leaks is important.
How can I prevent them from entering my home?
There are a few things you can do to prevent Palmetto bugs from entering your home:
- Seal any cracks in your foundation or walls.
- Caulk around windows and doors.
- Fix any leaks in your plumbing or air-conditioning.
- Keep your home clean and free of crumbs.
- Be sure to wash and put away pet food dishes.
A pest control professional can help you identify potential entry points.
Are they dangerous?
Palmetto bugs spread bacteria and contaminate surfaces with their saliva and feces. In addition, the insects are known to trigger allergic reactions in certain people, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose.
If you are allergic to palmetto bugs, keeping your home free of their infestation is even more critical.
Do palmetto bugs bite?
American cockroaches are not known to bite humans, but they can bite if they do not have any other food source. Their bites are not poisonous, but they can cause swelling and irritation.
If a cockroach bites you, it is vital to clean the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic cream. You should also seek medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction to the bite.
How do you treat an American cockroach infestation?
If you see a large number of these insects, you need to contact a pest control professional for help. Cockroaches can multiply rapidly and be challenging to manage on your own.
855Bugs is equipped to handle cockroaches, palmetto bugs, and other pests in and around your home. Schedule a free inspection today.
