A palmetto bug infestation can damage your property, jeopardize your health, and will grow if left untreated. Luckily, you don’t have to settle for palmetto bugs in your house if you are equipped with the proper knowledge to get rid of them.
In this piece, we’ll cover the following topics:
- Are palmetto bugs the same as cockroaches?
- Why are there palmetto bugs in my house?
- How do I get rid of palmetto bugs?
- How to prevent palmetto bugs from getting in your home
Armed with this information, you’ll have a Palmetto bug-free property in no time.
Is a Palmetto Bug the Same as a Cockroach?
While Palmetto Bugs get their name because of the foliage they like to live under, they are indeed a type of cockroach. They are also commonly referred to as the American Cockroach or the Florida Woods cockroach.
Regardless of what they are called, it is most important to know how to keep palmetto bugs off your property and from getting inside your house.
Why Are There Palmetto Bugs in My House?
Palmetto Bugs predominantly live outdoors, which means if they are making it into your house, there is cause for concern. The main reasons why palmetto bugs are inside are:
1. Food and water sources: Your pantry, pet food, sinks, and any surfaces can provide an opportunity for palmetto bugs to find food and water. Make sure to cover all food containers appropriately and clean up spills.
Read More: Bugs most commonly found in bathrooms
2. Warmth: It is more inviting for palmetto bugs to seek a dual-purpose shelter with warmth and moisture inside a home during winter.
3. Shelter: Palmetto bugs in Arizona or other desert climates may have to adapt to monsoons, extreme heat, and cold. Palmetto bugs are most comfortable at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so anything outside that range may draw them to your home.
If you see palmetto bugs in your house, the chances are that you are providing one or more of these opportunities for them.
How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs
Keeping your home tidy and secure is a great way to get rid of a small Palmetto Bug infestation, and some DIY pest control remedies that people often try include:
- Bug sprays on the exterior of your home/in-between cracks
- Roach traps strategically placed throughout a house
- Food-grade diatomaceous earth
However, the likelihood is that home remedies will be infrequently effective and may end up costing you more time and money. Once you have a Palmetto Bug infestation, it is recommended to contact professional pest control services so that they can adequately treat your property for the long term.
With professional pest control services in Arizona, you can expect a full home appraisal on the first visit and a technician who will develop a unique plan for your home. Additionally, the treatments that professional pest control services use should be eco-friendly, safe for humans, and have a far greater effect than over-the-counter DIY solutions.
How to Prevent Palmetto Bugs from Getting in Your Home
Palmetto Bugs typically prefer to live outside, which means it is important to know what attracts Palmetto Bugs to your property so you can limit their options. Their general needs of food, water, and shelter remain prevalent, so to prevent Palmetto Bugs, consider the following tips:
- Clean up spilled pet and human food.
- Don’t leave containers of food (dry or otherwise) open.
- Seal leaks in pipes and around sinks.
- Reduce clutter, such as newspapers and boxes in which Palmetto Bugs may hide.
- Seal cracks and crevices in cabinets, closets, and other travel routes for Palmetto Bugs.
- Have annual or bi-annual professional pest control appraisals of your property.
Palmetto Bugs are pesky when they decide to find resources in your home, and you may need to consult professional pest control services to get the job done correctly.