Aren't palmetto bugs cockroaches?

From Orkiin: "The term palmetto bug or waterbug is a general name commonly used to refer to several species of cockroaches in the southern U.S. These names can lead to confusion and misidentification by the public. The cockroach species most commonly called a palmetto bug are the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) or the Florida woods cockroach (Eurycotis floridana)."

As for pest control, after paying a ridiculous amount of money to 3 different companies with no appreciable results, we took over the job ourselves. There are consumer products with the same ingredients as commercial companies use.

I'm not saying the historic side has more roaches, but since manufactured homes aren't on a foundation, there are more ways for them to get inside. I would guess that most of us here keep ready access to Raid, fly swatters, bait boxes, gel, etc.

:ohdear:

Everything you want to know about the ecology of the Florida woods cockroach, AKA palmetto bug
http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/urban/roaches/florida_woods_cockroach.htm
Nice photos and this description of their preferred habitat
The Florida woods cockroach feeds primarily on decomposing plant matter and is effectively a detritivore. Reasonable food sources could include dead or dying plant matter such as leaves and bark, as well as lichens, mosses, molds, soil microbes and mycoflora that would be encountered easily in damp dark environments (Bell et al. 2007). Because of these feeding habits, the species does not generally benefit from invading urban dwellings. However, these food sources may be present in nearby areas such as tree lines, decaying logs, under dense leaf litter, compost piles and other suitable locations.


This species tends to reside in stable sheltered areas. In populations outside of peridomestic scenarios, common habitations would include the cavities in trees or stumps, under tree bark, limestone cavities, leaf litter and densely shaded shrubs (Friauf 1953, Young and Cantrall 1958, Smith & Whitman 1992, Robinson 2005). In peridomestic environments, habitations can include holes in signs, around the base of ornamental trees such as coconut and palm, woodpiles and other shaded areas (Brenner and Pierce 1991, Young and Cantrall 1958, and Smith & Whitman 1992).

Informative but the pictures caused whole body shivers. I do not do well with bugs and hubby wants palms. Ewww

We had them for a little while last winter. I spry around the perimeter of the house and lay down some cockroach traps that I buy in Lowe's or Home Depot. We haven't seen any in the past six months.

After reading this I am convinced palm trees are the least of the problems causing infestations. They may contribute, but are not the main source. I will keep my palms and thoroughly enjoy them.

Can you tell me what product you use and where you get it? Thanks.

We have 1-2 a month, almost always in the kitchen.

For outside, I get this or whatever is available at Lowes. I spray around the entire house, with special attention to doorway thresholds. I think that's what keeps them down the most.

We also use standard bait traps under the sink, fridge, stove, etc. and put gel behind the switchplates and outlets to get at those in the walls.

I haven't had a lot of luck with boric acid, I think mostly because it's difficult to get it applied lightly enough. Gets too clumpy.

We were also advised to try spreading moth balls in the crawlspace under the house, but those are toxic; naphthalene does not break down in the environment and seeps into the groundwater. I'd rather live with the roaches!

My husband once shot a "Palmetto Bug" with his BB Gun in Houston, renowned for the size of its cockroaches.

I discovered one here in the master closet, clinging to a piece of my clothing. It was obviously not feeling well, as it didn't scamper, and I was able to pick it up with a pair of tongs and dispose of it down the toilet.