Palmetto Bug or Roach? Discover the Definitive Battle for Your Home’s Cleanliness!

Mon, 04 May 2026 21:11:51 +0000

Palmetto Bug vs. Roach: Discover the Definitive Battle for Your Home’s Cleanliness When summer heats up, nothing signals the arrival of pest season quite like that unmistakable scurrying sound behind your kitchen cabinet or beneath the sink. For many homeowners, the medical term “palmetto bug” often gets thrown around—but is it really a “palmetto bug,” or is it just a roach? Let’s take a definitive look at these familiar (and unwelcome) invaders, helping you distinguish fact from folklore and take control of your home’s cleanliness. ### What Exactly Is a Palmetto Bug? The term “palmetto bug” isn’t a scientific classification—it’s a common name used primarily in the Southern U.S. to refer to large, outdoor-oriented cockroaches, especially the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). These bold, reddish-brown roaches with yellow markings are iconic—and infamous players in the pest world. Despite the nickname, palmetto bugs often live outdoors but can venture inside through cracks and gaps while searching for food, moisture, or warmth.