Is That a Palmetto Bug or a Cockroach? Florida has many odd names we give things and bugs are no exception! Palmetto bugs is the name given to many large cockroaches. This his can be quite miss-leading and can cause a bit of confusion as to what bug you are really dealing with. Some people insist that Palmetto bugs are a completely different bug species unrelated to the cockroach. The term cockroach seems to cause fear in the minds of a lot of folks. And to curb that fear, it seems that these large cockroaches have been given a fancy nickname.
Smokey Brown Cockroach
The Smoky Brown cockroach is likely culprit that people associate with the name “palmetto bug”. This cockroach is an outdoor roach that mostly lives in planters and around forests or shrubs. It’s a large species that’s sensitive to changes in the environment and looks for areas of high humidity. It’s also a problem for homes in warmer climates. These roach can carry diseases and spread bacteria picked up from sewers and garbage.
American Cockroach
Another possible culprit is the American cockroach. This the largest of the common cockroaches in Florida. Smoky brown and American roaches are similar in size and appearance. The American cockroach has a slight size advantage over the smoky brown, growing to lengths between one and a half and two inches, while the smoky brown usually tops out at an inch and a half. As with the Smoky Brown cockroach, these little guys can carry diseases as well.
These roaches don’t typically cause an infestation like their cousins, the German cockroach. However, if you see one of them it is usually best to get a pest control expert out to your home.
Peace of Mind You Can Trust
These are just a few signs and pest prevention tips you can use to fend off those unwanted guests. Fortunately, RH Miller Pest Services has been immersed in the Central Florida area in cities like Maitland for over a quarter of a century. Home or business, our experts will get to the root of the problem and find a solution. As with all of our services, our process starts with a free estimate. Call our offices today @ 321-316-3971 set up your free estimate! No one should have to share a space with any sort of pests!
