Palmetto Bugs and German Roaches

Short answer: big roaches that show up after rain are usually outdoor American or smoky brown roaches wandering in. Small tan roaches in the kitchen are German roaches breeding inside. Seal and treat outside for the first; use baits and follow-ups for the second.

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Palmetto bugs

Large reddish-brown roaches that live in trees, mulch and drains and fly on warm nights.

German roaches

Small, light brown roaches with two dark stripes, living in kitchens and bathrooms.

Why it matters

Outdoor roaches need exclusion and perimeter treatment; German roaches need indoor baits.

Seal entry points

Door sweeps, window screens and sealing around pipes keep palmetto bugs out.

Drains

Keep drain traps full of water and use covers on floor drains.

Kitchen habits

Clean behind appliances and don't leave pet food or dishes out overnight.

Cardboard

German roaches travel in grocery boxes and appliance packaging.

Apartments

In shared buildings, roaches move between units, so landlords should treat more than one unit.

Follow up

German roach treatment takes several visits to break the cycle.

Seasonal peaks

Expect more palmetto bugs inside during hot, wet summer weeks.

Garages

Garages with open doors, pet food and cardboard storage are a staging area for roaches before they move inside.

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