Palmetto Bug vs Cockroach

Even if you’ve never dealt with palmetto bugs, you’ve probably heard people talk about them. Depending on where you are in the country, you might hear them referred to as palmetto bugs or American cockroaches, but they’re actually the same thing! Other names like “water bug” are often misattributed to these insects, but water bugs are their own separate insect species unrelated to cockroaches. To learn more about palmetto bugs, the flying cockroach species native to Eastern and Central Virginia, read on!

What Is A Palmetto Bug?

The palmetto bug, otherwise known as the American cockroach, is a species of roach that isn’t actually native to the Americas, but in the last few centuries has become the second-most numerous cockroach species in the United States. They are about two inches long with six legs, wings, and a reddish-brown to brown coloration. Palmetto bugs are usually found in places that are damp and warm, so they often live outdoors, but many people in Eastern and Central Virginia report finding them in their basements, kitchen cupboards, and bathrooms, as well as in nearby sewers and drains. They are attracted to these conditions for suitable shelter, as well as fermented foods and alcoholic beverages.

Palmetto Bug vs Cockroach: How to Tell the Difference

Palmetto bugs are actually cockroaches, but when people refer to roaches here in Virginia, they are usually talking about German cockroaches, smokybrown cockroaches, brown-banded cockroaches. Here are the differences between palmetto bugs and other cockroach species in the area:

• Palmetto bugs are up to four times larger than German cockroaches and brown-banded cockroaches, which usually aren’t much larger than half an inch in length. 
• Palmetto bugs are more likely to live outside than other cockroach species, which are more reliant on human activity to sustain themselves
• The biggest distinguishing feature of the palmetto bug is that both males and females fly—other roach species have the capability, but rarely do. 

You can safely assume that if you see a roach that flies and is much larger than other roaches you’ve seen, you’re dealing with a palmetto bug. As always, if you’re unsure, you can contact a local roach exterminator for insight.

How to Get Rid of Cockroaches of All Kinds

Getting rid of each individual species of cockroach efficiently takes specialized practice and knowledge of the insects that you’re dealing with. If you’re unable to get rid of roaches in your home, talk to your local pest control company. The cockroach control team at Loyal Termite & Pest Control is well-versed in all of the roach species living in Eastern & Central Virginia, and are able to formulate a unique extermination plan to rid your home of any kind of roach. For a free quote, contact us today!