You see a large, dark insect skitter across your kitchen floor. Your neighbor calls it a “palmetto bug.” Your friend shakes their head and says it’s just another cockroach. So, who’s right – your neighbor or your friend – and how do you tell the difference between palmetto bugs and cockroaches?

Well… they’re both right. “Palmetto bug” is a nickname for a few different kinds of cockroaches, so essentially “palmetto bugs” and “cockroaches” are the same pest. The confusion comes from different regional nicknames and the fact that these pests thrive all over our sunny state.

Let’s dive deeper into the subtle distinction between palmetto bugs and cockroaches – and what to do if you’re dealing with them in your home.

What Types of Cockroaches Are Palmetto Bugs?

Not all roaches go by “palmetto bug,” but almost anytime you hear that term, you’re dealing with a cockroach. While these species have slight differences in color, size, and preferred hiding spots, they’re all cockroaches that Floridians often lump together under the “palmetto bug” umbrella:

• American Cockroach: One of the largest common roaches, often reddish-brown in color, and notorious for popping up in warm, humid environments.
• Smoky Brown Cockroach: A deep mahogany-brown pest that’s highly attracted to moisture and can sometimes be found near gutters, under palm fronds, or hiding in damp corners.
• Florida Woods Cockroach: Native to our region, this roach is sometimes slower and clunkier than its cousins, but it still gives off that unsettling vibe.
• Australian Cockroach: Large but not quite as large as American roaches, the two species are easily mistaken for each other. Unlike American cockroaches, which are all reddish-brown, Australian cockroaches have a yellow coloring that runs down the sides of their thoraxes.

Why Are They Called Palmetto Bugs?

It’s all about location, location, location! In the Southeast — particularly here in Florida — palmetto trees are common, and people often find these roaches hanging out under the fronds. Naturally, the bugs took on the name of their favorite hideout. In other parts of the country without palmetto trees, no one bothers calling them “palmetto bugs.”

Fun fact: South Carolina is nicknamed “The Palmetto State,” so you’ll often hear the term there, too. Since Florida Woods Cockroaches aren’t as common in many areas of South Carolina, residents typically mean the American or Smoky Brown Cockroach when they say “palmetto bug.”

Are Palmetto Bugs Harmful?

The biggest hazard with palmetto bugs is they’re unsanitary. They spend their time in filth and can easily spread germs and bacteria throughout your house. Other than that, palmetto bugs are not particularly harmful to humans, although they do sometimes bite.

What Happens When a Palmetto Bug Bites You?

Getting bit by a palmetto bug can hurt in the moment, but don’t worry – it’s not a big deal. Palmetto bugs are not venomous and they don’t transmit any diseases when they bite. Wash it with soap and water, put a bandage on it, and you should be fine.

How Do I Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs?

Whether you call them palmetto bugs, water bugs, or simply roaches, they’re unwanted pests that spread germs, trigger allergies, and ruin anyone’s sense of peace at home. Here at Forest Pest Control, we understand how unsettling it can be to discover these pests scampering around. Our expert team specializes in reliable roach control services for Florida homes.

Ready to kick palmetto bugs out? Contact us today to schedule your consultation and enjoy your Florida lifestyle, roach-free!

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