Even though it’s been relatively dry the past few months, you may have seen more bugs recently. As the rains pick up in Florida, you’ll likely see even more bug activity in and around your home.
One of the most common pests you’ll deal with are palmetto bugs. They’re often in damp areas, which include your bathroom (including in your sink cabinet or vanity), and garage. Leave the door between your garage and house open too long, and they can scurry inside without you realizing it. The next time you encounter these intruders may be at night or when you open one of their darkened hiding places.
Let’s learn more about the palmetto bug, why it’s such a nuisance in Florida homes, and what you can do about it.
Palmetto bugs and American cockroaches are the same
There is no difference between palmetto bugs and American cockroaches. “Palmetto bug” is a term used in the southern region of the United States, including Florida.
Palmettos are usually brown in color and will grow up to one and a half inches in length. You can expect to see that size and smaller once they enter your home.
You’ll also find them in areas that have food and moisture. Let’s look at their common indoor and outdoor nesting spots:
- Outdoors: Palmetto bugs tend to be in areas like mulch, trash cans, and around palm trees. If you’ve ever pruned your palm tree or have disturbed the base of the tree, you may have seen palmetto bugs.
- Indoors: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and attics have either the food or moisture (and sometimes both) these bugs are seeking. Your kitchen offers easy access to food as well as humid areas that are under your refrigerator and stove.
One of the signs that you have palmetto bugs are small droppings. You may find them in the cabinets under your kitchen or bathroom sink. Palmetto bugs also leave them in the drawers of your vanity. Safely remove these droppings and clean the affected areas. Then be sure to call JD Smith Pest Control to take on the source of your problem.
How to keep palmetto bugs out of your house
You don’t want bugs in your home. (Who does?) And you don’t want palmetto bugs because they can spread germs from the areas they prefer, including garbage and sewer lines. Every time you seeing a bug inside your house, think about where they’ve been and what they’re tracking across your floor.
Prevention is the key. To keep them out, there are two main steps you can take:
- Get rid of the elements and access points that allow bugs into your home. This includes filling in gaps around pipes and doorways where bugs can get inside your home. It also means securing food in sealed containers and cleaning your kitchen so it’s free of spills and crumbs.
- Obtain a pest control maintenance program. JD Smith will find the sources of your pest problem and address each one. Through regular treatments, you’ll know that your home and family are healthier because they are protected from palmetto bugs.
Get a free pest inspection of your home from JD Smith Pest Control
If you’ve seen more activity of any bugs, take action by contacting us today to schedule an appointment for a free pest inspection. Our inspectors will evaluate the areas that are likely causing palmetto bugs and other cockroaches to enter your home. Then we will use environmentally friendly solutions that keep them out – and keep your family safe.
