Palmetto Bug Treatment: Florida's Worst Roach
Big, fast, flying roaches that thrive in Florida. We make them somebody else's problem.
"Palmetto bug" is the polite Florida name for the American cockroach, and they're huge, fast, and occasionally fly. They love warm, damp environments (which is basically all of Florida), and they'll happily move indoors through the smallest gaps. Professional treatment is the only thing that actually keeps them out.
Why Palmetto Bugs Are a Problem
The risks go beyond the nuisance. Here's why palmetto bugs need to be dealt with fast.
- Large (up to 2"), fast, and capable of flying
- Spread bacteria, contaminate food, and trigger allergies
- Enter homes through drains, vents, and door gaps
- Thrive in palm trees, mulch, and landscaping
- Reproduce quickly in Florida's warm climate
Signs You Have Palmetto Bugs
Know what to look for. Early detection means faster, cheaper treatment.
- Large reddish-brown roaches sighted indoors (often at night)
- Droppings that look like small black capsules
- Egg cases in garages, sheds, or under sinks
- Musty odor in heavily infested areas
- Sightings in bathtubs or sinks (they climb up through drains)
How Bugstinct Treats Palmetto Bugs
A professional, thorough approach, not a surface-level spray.
- 1 Exterior perimeter treatment (foundation, soffits, mulch, palms)
- 2 Interior crack-and-crevice treatment in kitchens, bathrooms, garages
- 3 Drain treatment to stop entry through plumbing
- 4 Attic and soffit treatment where they often nest
- 5 Recurring service, because Florida pressure is year-round
Why DIY Fails
Palmetto bugs breed in landscaping, palm trees, and sewer systems, which are places you can't reach with a can of spray. Without ongoing exterior treatment and drain/entry control, they walk right back in. Professionals treat the property, not just the living room.
Palmetto Bugs FAQs
The most common questions we hear from homeowners.
Are palmetto bugs the same as German roaches?
Can they really fly?
How often should I have my home treated?
Living in Florida Means Palmetto Bug Pressure
Unless you have a plan. Schedule your recurring service with Bugstinct and stop sharing your home with them for good.
Other Pests We Treat
Browse more from the Bugstinct Pest Library.
Silverfish
They love moisture and snack on paper, glue, and fabrics. You'll usually find them in bathrooms or storage areas.
Learn more
Centipedes & Millipedes
Creepy but generally harmless. Centipedes can bite, while millipedes release a smelly liquid when threatened.
Learn more
Earwigs
Recognizable by their pincers, earwigs prefer damp spots and sometimes show up in kitchens and bathrooms.
Learn more