Cockroaches and Palmetto Bugs: What’s the Difference?

It’s the season of cold winds and freezing nights, and everybody is seeking shelter indoors–including pests! That’s why the winter is such a high season for finding cockroaches and palmetto bugs in your home. When you call for pest control services it’s important to know what kind of pest you’re dealing with. Progressive Pest Control’s qualified Registered Operators can identify pests, but if you’re curious now, what’s the difference between cockroaches and palmetto bugs?

The answer might surprise you: there is no difference. That’s right! Palmetto bugs are actually a type of cockroach. Generally the phrase “palmetto bug” is used to refer to any of the largest species of cockroaches, including the ones that fly or glide from surface to surface and scare the heck out of you, but they’re not different insects exactly. There are over 4,000 species of cockroach in the world, so it’s easy to understand the confusion.

The kind of cockroaches often referred to as palmetto bugs are extremely adaptable, and can eat almost any organic material: food scraps, hair, even paper and glue. They can live up to three months without any food! They’ll often hide in your drains, foundations, trash cans, hidden corners, and even the dishwasher.

If you’ve noticed a palmetto bug problem in your home, don’t wait! The sooner you contact Progressive Pest Control in North Atlanta, the sooner you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful home free of pests. Check out our services to see if we offer what you need and give us a call today!