Few things make a Floridian jump like a palmetto bug scuttling across the kitchen floor — or worse, taking flight. Here's what they are and how to get rid of them for good.
What is a palmetto bug, really?
"Palmetto bug" is a friendly Florida nickname for large cockroaches — usually the American cockroach or smoky brown cockroach. Unlike small German roaches that breed indoors, palmetto bugs primarily live outdoors in mulch, palm trees, sewers, and woodpiles, then wander inside seeking food, water, or shelter.
Why they come inside (especially after rain)
Heavy Florida rain floods their outdoor harborage, pushing them indoors. They're also drawn in by moisture, so kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are common entry targets. Seeing more of them in the rainy season is completely normal — and completely preventable.
How to get rid of palmetto bugs
- Seal entry points. Caulk gaps around pipes, doors, windows, and the foundation. Add door sweeps.
- Cut the moisture. Fix leaks, run bathroom fans, and don't leave standing water in sinks overnight.
- Clear outdoor harborage. Keep mulch, woodpiles, and palm debris away from the foundation.
- Treat the perimeter. A professional exterior barrier treatment stops them before they get in — this is the step DIY usually misses.
- Use targeted baits, not foggers. Foggers scatter roaches; gel baits and crack-and-crevice treatment reach where they hide.
When to call a pro
If you're seeing palmetto bugs regularly — or spotting them during the day (a sign of heavier pressure) — a recurring exterior barrier is the reliable fix. We treat the perimeter, harborage zones, and entry points so they stay outside where they belong.