The Differences Between Cockroaches and Palmetto Bugs

Cockroaches are one of the most common, creepy, and frustrating pests you can have in your house. What most people don’t know is that there are other critters that can invade your home that look almost indistinguishable from the cockroach.

Today, we are going to discuss some of the differences between common cockroaches and palmetto bugs, so that you can effectively identify which type of pest you have in your home.

The misconception about cockroaches and palmetto bugs

What may take you by surprise is that cockroaches and palmetto bugs are, more or less, cousins. The palmetto bug is a larger insect that is technically referred to as the outdoor American Cockroach. At a glance, a palmetto bug looks like a large roach that you normally find outdoors.

The cockroach, on the other hand, is smaller, and technically identified as the German Cockroach. These are the pests that creep their way into your home, that you may have a hard time getting rid of.

Palmetto Bugs

Palmetto bugs tend to have a red or orange tint to their shell and can actually fly. This is something that the common house cockroach (German Cockroach) cannot do. If you see a cockroach looking creature flying around your home, it is safe to think that it is either a Palmetto bug or something other than a house cockroach.

Palmetto bugs are indeed large and gross, but they do not carry the harmful bacteria that house cockroaches do.

Cockroaches

Did you know that your average indoor cockroach can carry up to 45 different types of pathogens and bacteria? Unlike the Palmetto bug which can just be a nuisance, a cockroach can actually make you sick and cause you harm. What you need to know that cockroaches can make their way into just about anywhere. A home or indoor area doesn’t necessarily have to be dirty to attract cockroaches.

Pest Control in San Antonio and Austin

If you think that you may have a cockroach problem in your home or your business, this isn’t an issue that will fix itself. Contact our San Antonio and Austin pest control experts at Worldwide Pest Control today, so we can help you solve your pest problem.