During the summer, you’ll usually find palmetto bugs scurrying around outside at night. But as the weather starts to get cooler, these bugs start looking for a warmer place to go. Unfortunately, that can sometimes end up being your home! If you’re not looking for some new roommates this winter, keep reading to find out how you can keep these guys (also known as the American cockroach) outside where they belong.
Where to Look for Palmetto Bugs
Palmetto bugs are pretty good at finding hiding spots. If they find a good one before you find them, they may have time to reproduce. By the time you know they’re living in your home, you could have a serious infestation on your hands.
The biggest thing to remember is that palmetto bugs love water. This means that they tend to hang out in places with a lot of moisture. Think drains, gutters, crawlspaces, and anywhere there is a leak.
Signs that Roaches Are Already a Problem
Since palmetto bugs are good at hiding and usually less active in the winter, how do you know if you have an infestation? If you see any smaller palmetto bugs scurrying around from hiding place to hiding place, you know that you have a bigger problem on your hands.
An adult bug may just be a one-off, but juveniles mean that there are palmetto bugs reproducing in your home. You want to take care of that ASAP before they start getting more active in the spring.
How to Prevent Cockroaches from Getting Inside
Palmetto bugs are looking for three things in the winter: heat, food, and water. You probably don’t want to get rid of the heat in your home (burr!). However, you can make sure they don’t have ready access to food and water. Store your trash in a sealed container, and take it out regularly. Sweep your floors often, especially if you have pets that like to leave a mess! Wipe down countertops after every meal to make sure you don’t leave any crumbs out. Lastly, seal any gaps around your windows and doors to limit their access to your home.
What to Do If They’re Already Inside
While prevention is the best way to avoid a palmetto bug infestation, it can still happen. If you’re looking to get rid of American cockroaches, it’s usually best to let the professionals handle it. Since they’re so good at hiding, it can be hard to take care of them all on your own.
If you’re looking for professional services in the Port St. Lucie area, contact us today. We’ll figure out a plan to make sure that you can enjoy your home pest-free this winter.
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