What’s the difference between a palmetto bug and a cockroach? What to know about the pests

Being in the palmetto state, it can be rather easy to spot a palmetto bug. They may hang out on the deck, the shower or a crawlspace.

It can be disgruntling when one makes it into your home and confusing trying to determine if it’s a cockroach or a palmetto bug.

Here’s what to known about the southern creatures and what to do if one makes its way inside.

What is a palmetto bug?

Although many locals may say a palmetto bug is not a cockroach, the palmetto bug is unfortunately a cockroach. The warm and humid environment of South Carolina is the perfect habitat for these cockroaches, which is why they’re seen more often.

When people mention palmetto bugs, they are typically referring to the American or smoky brown cockroach, said Preston Harris of Harris Pest Control. These species are typically larger and range in color from a dark brown to a reddish brown.

It can be scary to see one at home, but thankfully it’s not usually a sign of an infestation. American and smoky brown cockroaches prefer to live in sewers, garbage cans and crawl spaces — basically anywhere warm and moist.

“(A house) is not their ideal environment,” Harris said.

Palmetto bugs will come inside if they’re searching for water or if they see light through a crack but typically don’t start an infestation, Harris said.

What to do if you see one

If one is spotted in the kitchen or living room, try to determine what species it is. American and smoky brown cockroaches are easy to deal with but German cockroaches aren’t, Harris said.

German cockroaches are small, usually around half an inch long, and have two black parallel lines that run from their head to end of their wings , according to Orkin. An American cockroach is larger, usually around 1 to 2 inches long.

German cockroaches hang around the kitchen and bathroom while American roaches spend time in drains and basements.

If you see either cockroach, call a pest company. Harris said treating for palmetto bugs is easy as exterminators typically only needs to spray around the outside of the house to prevent them from entering again.

“With South Carolina being the way it is, this is the ideal environment,” Harris said. “It’s not the end of the world if you see one inside.”