When it comes to “ick” factor, few critters on earth outdo the Florida woods cockroach, which many of us Floridians refer to as the Palmetto bug for its tendency to make its home in our Palmetto trees.
- They are among the largest of the cockroach species, averaging 1.2 to 1.6 inches in length and growing as large as 2.5 inches.
- When antagonized, Palmetto bugs secrete a smelly, oily fluid from a gland on the underside of their abdomen that can cause serious skin and eye irritation.
- Like other cockroach species, Palmetto bugs are known to carry dangerous viruses and can trigger allergy and asthma attacks in humans.
As their nickname suggests, the preferred habitat of Palmetto bugs is the sheltered areas of Palmetto trees. They’re also commonly found in storage areas, greenhouses, and other structures near homes. Still, they sometimes find their way inside residences, often hitching a ride on firewood or other items brought indoors.
It’s not easy to distinguish various species of cockroaches, many of which closely resemble other bugs. Also, Palmetto bugs and other types of cockroaches are most active at night, so they may go undetected long after their arrival.
So, how to get rid of Palmetto bugs in your Florida home? If you notice possible signs of Palmetto bugs in your home, your first step should be to contact Nozzle Nolen to schedule a free inspection to determine which type of pest you’re dealing with and the best approach for eliminating them and keeping them out.
What Attracts Palmetto Bugs to Florida Homes?
While Palmetto bugs are one of the cockroach species with wings, the bugs aren’t strong fliers, so it’s unlikely that they made their way into your house through the air. Like other members of the species, Palmetto bugs are attracted to garbage, food spills, and other human food sources, but their preferred meal is decomposing plant matter. That’s one reason why Palmetto bugs are more commonly found outdoors than indoors.
The best way to prevent Palmetto bugs from nesting in your home is by carefully inspecting items you bring inside. It’s also important to eliminate leaks and sources of standing water because the insects are attracted to moisture, including plumbing and sewage systems. Palmetto bugs often find their way indoors via cracks in window sills, doors, and other structures.
How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs in Your Home
The nocturnal nature of Palmetto bugs allows them to elude detection until they’ve established themselves in your residence. Many cockroach traps are available to help you identify which type of bug you’re dealing with, but the traps may not eliminate the cockroach nest, so the insects keep coming back.
Traps and over-the-counter bug sprays have several downsides, such as:
- Traps often require that you replace the bait they use to attract the bugs.
- The insecticides used in traps and sprays can be harmful to children and pets.
- Knowing where to place the traps or where and how often to spray the insecticide often becomes a guessing game.
The University of Florida recommends a four-step approach to cockroach eradication:
- Exclusion involves sealing cracks and gaps in walls, doors, windows, drainage lines, and vents, as well as careful inspection of items brought inside the house.
- Eliminate water sources by patching leaks, avoiding standing water, and preventing over watering indoor plants.
- Eliminate food sources by sealing garbage receptacles, wiping countertops, washing dishes immediately after use, and cleaning crumbs out of toasters and other appliances.
- Eliminate harborages, including all dark, moist locations such as mulch piles, firewood, holes in trees, overgrown shrubbery and ornamental plants, and any clutter, such as piles of clothes or newspapers.
The Benefits of Professional Pest Control for Eliminating Palmetto Bugs
Few homeowners possess the expertise required to identify a particular species of cockroach, know the best way of eradicating them, and apply the necessary protections to keep Palmetto bugs and other roaches on the outside looking in. You can quickly go broke trying this do-it-yourself approach, then that one, then another, as you fight a war of attrition with these long-living insects (Palmetto bug life spans range from a few months to a few years).
Rather than taking a reactive approach to Palmetto bugs invading your home, a more efficient and less expensive method is to go on the offensive by partnering with the pros at Nozzle Nolen. The company’s 365 Complete Home Protection Package is based on the Environmental Protection Agency’s integrated pest management (IPM) principles that emphasize prevention and minimal use of chemicals.
Getting Started With Nozzle Nolen
Palmetto bugs are nobody’s idea of welcomed guests. If you suspect the bugs may have made their way into your home and you are not sure how to get rid of Palmetto bugs, the best short-term and long-term solution is to bring in the experts at Nozzle Nolen to give you a professional assessment and a customized action plan tailored to your needs. Then relax knowing your home and its inhabitants are protected from these bugs and other pests year-round.
Nozzle Nolen has protected South Florida homes from Palmetto bugs and other pests for more than 70 years. If you are facing an active infestation or want more information on how to get rid of Palmetto bugs, give us a call at 800.226.6536 or Contact Us. We look forward to serving you.
