Anyone who has lived in the Columbia /Lexington, SC, area for more than a few months has probably had the unfortunate pleasure of coming face-to-face with critters commonly called palmetto bugs.
For those lucky enough to have not encountered one of these critters, they are essentially giant roaches. And, like all roaches, they are incredibly hard to keep out of your home. In fact, some people claim that the only way to exterminate them is to call in professional pest control services. But is that true?
Let's take a closer look at palmetto bugs and see if we can figure out whether or not they're worth calling the pros over.
What Are These Things Called Palmetto Bugs?
Palmetto bugs are actually cockroaches, but no one in Lexington wants to say they have cockroaches in their home, so we call American cockroaches or Smoky Brown Cockroaches palmetto bugs.
Palmetto bugs are one of the larger cockroach species in the world, with adults reaching a length of a little over two inches. Palmetto bugs got their name from their penchant for hanging out in palm trees, but they can be found in any dark, moist place—including the cracks and crevices of your home.
Palmetto Bug vs. Roach - What's the Difference?
What Are Palmetto Bugs Vs. German Cockroaches?
Contrary to popular belief, palmetto bugs and roaches are the same things; They are roaches. Both insects do share some similarities - they're both nocturnal, they both have six legs, and they both like to hide in dark, moist places. However, there are some key differences between the two that help entomologists (that's bug experts to you and me!) identify them.
Palmetto bug (American cockroaches)
adults are about 1 3/8 - 2 1/8 inches long
They can fly
Often found outside
German Cockroaches
1/2 - 5/8 inches long
Can not fly
seldom found outdoors
The kitchen and bathrooms seem to suit them best.
For starters, German roaches are much smaller than palmetto bugs. In fact, German roaches measure in at less than one inch long, whereas palmetto bugs can grow to be up to almost tw inches in length.
Palmetto bugs also have much larger wings than roaches, allowing them to fly short distances - something roaches cannot do. Finally, while both insects are considered pests, palmetto bugs pose a much bigger threat than roaches. Palmetto bugs can gnaw through wood and insulation, which can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked.
So now that we know what they are, where do these critters come from? Unfortunately, both insects are commonly found in homes throughout the Lexington, South Carolina, area. They typically enter homes through small cracks and crevices in the foundation or walls and set up shop in damp basements or crawlspaces. Once inside, these pests reproduce quickly and can quickly become a big problem for homeowners.
Are Palmetto Bugs Dangerous?
Like most cockroaches, the palmetto bug is a health concern as they carry pathogens that they leave behind on your kitchen counters and dishes; they can also trigger allergies and asthma attacks in some people.
They can also damage your property by pooping (Yuck) on your belongings and food and food preparation surfaces.
Basically, you don't want a single American cockroach in your home or ugly roaches running around your house, so it's best to evict every last American cockroach (aka a palmetto bug) as soon as possible from your home.
Should You Contact A Pest Control Expert For Palmetto Bugs?
So, now that we know what palmetto bugs are and why you want to evict all of them, the question remains: should you call a professional pest control service or try to handle the problem yourself? If you see one palmetto bug and are completely grossed out by the thought of having a roach in your house, it's probably best to leave it to the pros.
If you've only spotted one or two palmetto bugs scuttling around and are not grossed out and can handle the idea of a palmetto bug hanging out until you can control it yourself, you may be able to take care of them yourself with some basic DIY methods.
Either way, getting rid of these pests should be high on your priority list—especially if someone in your household has allergies or asthma.
There's no question about it—palmetto bugs are gross. It is really worth calling a professional pest control service to exterminate the palmetto bug infestation from your home?
How Can I Get Rid of Them?
The best way to get rid of either of these pests is to contact a professional pest control company to schedule a pest control service.
If you live in the Lexington, South Carolina, area, we would love to provide a pest control service at your home or business. Our expert technicians will inspect your home for signs of an infestation and develop a customized treatment plan to eliminate them from your property for good! Contact us today to learn more!
What Pest Control Company To Call In Lexington and the Greater Columbia South Carolina Area.
Lamp's Pest Solutions
Lamp's Pest Solutions Is Ready To Help You With Your Pest Control Needs in Lexington, South Carolina, and the surrounding areas. We have been the experts at eliminating cockroaches from homes in the midlands since 2009.
Lamp's Pest Solutions Offers Pest Control Services For the following pests
Palmetto Bugs
German Cockroaches
Ants
Spiders
Fleas
Mosquitoes
Bed Bugs
Rats
Mice
Stinging Insects