If you live in Florida or anywhere in the southeast of the United States you more likely have seen an American cockroach, locally known as a palmetto or water bug. Palmetto bugs are large and winged, and yes, they fly! Especially towards lights. They’re either a dark or red brown and have a cream-colored prothorax. These pests prefer to live outside, and only go inside homes in search of food and water. Palmettos prefer damp conditions and often found in sewers, wood piles, and mulch. They get their name because they like to live in the palm fronds and around the bases of the trees, including shrubs. Did you know there are more palm trees in the southeast than in any other areas in the United States? This making Florida a hotspot for palmetto bug sightings.
To help prevent palmetto bugs from getting into your home you can do the following:
- Seal any possible openings and cracks in the foundation.
- Practice good sanitation.
- Repair any leaky faucets.
- Remove all sources of standing water.
- Trim trees to prevent branches from becoming access points to your house.
- Change outdoor lighting to yellow lights, which will reduce the lights draw for insects.
- Avoid leaving pet food and water bowls outside.
- Maintain mulch at a 2-3-inch depth.
Palmetto bugs are most active during warm and sunny days, but can easily survive lower temperatures, especially when living indoors. Your perfectly maintained garden bed is just as appealing to a palmetto bug seeking food as it is the overflowing dumpster down the street. However excessive mulch is especially attractive to palmetto bugs, so don’t pile it up against the foundation.
If you find you’re losing the battle to palmetto bugs make sure to advise with a professional pest control service.
