That may not be dirt. 3 important things to know about Palmetto bugs in SC
Catch a flash of brown out of the corner of your eye?
See unusual, small piles of brown dirt lying around?
You may have palmetto bugs.
Here are three things to know about local palmetto bugs.
What is a Palmetto Bug?
Basically a fancy term for cockroach, the palmetto bug is a nickname for the neighboring species of cockroach such as the Smokeybrown and American cockroach in the southern US.
Palmetto bugs are reddish-brown insects with a cream-colored thorax and brown wings. Smokybrown and American cockroaches are both similar in size ranging from around about 1.5–2 inches in length. However, the American cockroach is about a half inch longer than the Smokeybrown. Although both species do fly, they’re not the best at the skill.
Do they bite?
“Palmetto bugs stick to a diet of plants, food scraps, garbage and decaying meat, so it’s very unusual for them to bite humans. However, if bitten, the bite will look like a small, red mark that should heal within a couple of days,” according to House Method.
Seldom will a palmetto bug get close enough to a human to bite them, but you might get bitten if they can’t find enough food to eat. Palmetto bugs are not aggressive and won’t attack. If a bite does occur, you will likely be left with mild skin irritation.
“Palmetto bugs crawl through trash, sewers, pipes and other areas that are filled with bacteria and other germs. When these bugs then climb around on your counters or other surfaces of your home, they can leave these germs behind. You might end up with a gastrointestinal illness from exposure to these germs, resulting in diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive symptoms,” according to Island Pest Control.
Many individuals may be allergic to palmetto bugs or even unaware that they are. If so, you may have to be more conscious about being near places where a palmetto bug has been. In addition to the bug itself, humans can be allergic to the bug’s skin or droppings as well.
“These pests shed their skin, leaving it behind. They also leave droppings behind wherever they go. If you’re allergic to their skin or droppings, you might develop respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing or you could end up with a skin rash. In some cases, those who are allergic to these bugs may have asthma attacks, which can be serious,” continued Island Pest Control.
Are Palmetto Bugs a sign of uncleanliness?
Not necessarily. Palmetto bugs aren’t looking to expose any untidiness so much as they are looking for food. They eat just about anything. They can be found in a mulched yard, snacking on leftovers, crawling through pine straw, in a tree, or in a garbage can or dumpster.
“Palmetto bugs are attracted to homes for a number of different reasons. First, they love humidity and warmth, and homes often provide that. They tend to eat decaying vegetation, and again, homes can usually provide that, too. Moreover, though, they need a reliable source of water, and homes, particularly bathrooms, often are able to provide that as well,” according to Slug-A-Bug, a pest control servicing company.
Given their affinity for wet, humid and dense conditions, finding a Palmetto Bug in South Carolina is a common occurrence.
