Palmetto Bugs by State 2024

Palmetto bug is a term, used largely in the Southeastern US and Florida in particular, to describe any of several common species of cockroach. According to the Mallis Handbook of Pest Control, the term palmetto bug is most often associated with the American cockroach (P. americana), the Florida Woods cockroach (Eurycotis floridana), the Smoky Brown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa), the Australian cockroach (P. australasiae), the Brown cockroach (P. brunnea), and the Death's Head cockroach (Blaberus craniifer).

What Is the Difference Between a Cockroach and a Palmetto Bug?

As a general rule, there is no difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug. As mentioned, a palmetto bug can refer to one of several species of cockroaches that are commonly found in the Southeastern area of the United States, and in these states the terms "cockroach" and "palmetto bug" are typically used interchangeably. However, the term is rarely used outside the American Southeast.

Can Palmetto Bugs Hurt People?

In general, palmetto bugs are not able to hurt people. They do not bite and they are generally afraid of people. That said, it is nonetheless important to be aware of several health risks that palmetto bugs pose. For example, it is possible for palmetto bugs to carry salmonella, a pathogen that can cause food poisoning, so all food should be stored securely where the bugs cannot find and access it. In addition, people with allergies or Asthma may experience symptomatic exacerbations when exposed to palmetto bugs.

What States Have Palmetto Bugs?

Given that palmetto bugs are cockroaches, this question can be interpreted two ways. If the question is actually "which states have cockroaches?" the answer is "all of them". Cockroaches are nearly unrivaled in their ability to adapt to various living conditions, and although they are far less common in the northern states (they prefer warmer climates), they do still appear. However, if the question is "which states call cockroaches palmetto bugs?", the answer is mostly the Southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, and North Carolina.