Whether you call it a cockroach or a palmetto bug, it can be quite troublesome to deal with these pesky insects. Besides giving you the creeps, they also carry harmful microbes that can cause diseases such as food poisoning, diarrhea, etc.
These bugs infest homes mostly when the weather gets cold. They contaminate the kitchen counters, food, and clean dishes. You are most likely to encounter roaches in the kitchen and toilet because that part of the house is the source of food and water for them.
The palmetto bug infestation is considered to be a critical health hazard. Some cockroaches also chew on clothes and ruin them. Having these annoying pests in the house can be a great nuisance. This article will discuss the basic facts regarding palmetto bugs, roaches, and how to get rid of them.
What is the Difference Between Palmetto Bugs and Cockroaches?
There is no discernible difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug. The name “palmetto bug” refers to a specific variety of cockroaches found in the Palmetto area. It is simply a regional term. Over 4,000 species of cockroaches have been identified in the world.
There are 70 different species of roaches present in the United States. Palmetto bugs do not refer to all cockroaches. This moniker is mainly used for referring to cockroaches that reside both indoors and outdoors. Cockroaches named palmetto bugs are one species of the American cockroach.
Adult roaches have a pale yellow band around the edges of their pronotum and a reddish-brown body. The pronotum is the shield-like cover that protects the insect’s head. They can be found in sewers, basements, woodpiles, and landscaping materials across the United States. In America, cockroaches are most active on hot summer days, although they can survive in colder temperatures, especially if they live indoors.
The Smokybrown cockroach is a variety usually referred to as a palmetto bug. The adults of this species have a rich mahogany color and a gleaming sheen. They also favor warm, humid environments, such as tree holes and areas covered in mulch or other landscaping materials.
How to Get Rid of Roaches and Palmetto Bugs?
Fortunately, there are numerous ways to get rid of these pests. Some of the most effective measures to eliminate roaches and palmetto bugs are listed in the following.
Clean Your Home Thoroughly
Similar to most pests, Palmetto bugs also need three main elements to live: shelter, water, and food. The bugs will be enticed to come into your house if you leave food out in the open, keep unwashed dishes for a long time, keep the lids of your bins open, and do not clean the house regularly.
Through sanitization, you can eliminate their source of water, food, and harborage. By doing so, the bug population will be bound to move somewhere else or die. Make sure you do the following:
- Dispose of old piles of papers and boxes. Roaches thrive in these materials as they provide shelter.
- Use a trash can or waste bin equipped with a tight-fitted lid. In a closed plastic bag, keep the trash overnight.
- It is vital to fix leaky faucets and drains since roaches can survive solely on water.
- Thoroughly and regularly clean all your kitchen appliances.
- Regularly vacuum your house and limit food consumption to only one room of the house. This will aid in preventing the spread of these pests into other rooms like the bedroom.
- Do not leave unwashed dishes for too long in the sink. The food residue on the utensils and dishes will lure in more roaches.
Use Chemical Insecticide
One of the most effective ways to eliminate roaches and palmetto bugs is by using common chemical insecticides. These pesticides usually contain chemicals like bifenthrin, cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, or deltamethrin. By spraying these chemical insecticides around the perimeter of your yard and home you can get rid of the pests.
Also, spray the chemicals in problem areas like the corners of your basement and attic. Always wear a face mask and protective clothing when using these insecticides. These are toxic chemicals, therefore, should be kept away from children, pets, and areas where food is prepared.
Sprinkle Boric Acid
Boric acid is a compound that is naturally occurring. It is present in fruits and plants as a combination of water and boron. The best feature of boric acid is that it is safe for humans and pets, but lethal for roaches. Boric acid adheres to the legs and wings of cockroaches when they come in contact with it.
When they consume it, it affects their neurological and digestive systems, quickly killing the bugs. Sprinkle a thin coating of boric acid over a paper plate to get rid of roaches. Place a tablespoon of peanut butter or an orange peel in the center of the plate as bait and place it anywhere you have seen roach activity.
Sprinkle Baking Soda
Using baking soda is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of roaches, and you probably have some in the corner of your pantry. Dice a handful of onions and generously sprinkle baking soda on them to make your roach bait. Place this snack in a shallow dish in a place where you have found roach activity. When the roaches ingest the baking soda, gases build up in their stomachs causing them to burst.
Call a Professional Pest Control
If you are getting too overwhelmed with the roach infestation at your home, you can reach out to reputable and reliable professional pest control specialists. Their years of experience and expertise will eliminate all the palmetto bugs permanently. This will save you time, and you will get your money’s worth by their efficient services.
Final Words
When your house is infested with such unsightly insects like palmetto bugs, it can be quite frustrating. Besides hurting the aesthetics, they also spread diseases and pose a health hazard. You can implement one of the measures mentioned above and get rid of these annoying pests effectively.
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