Creepy crawly cockroaches are one of the most disgusting and frustrating pests that you can have in your home. More than 4,500 different species of roaches have been discovered, including the German cockroach and palmetto bug. Down here in Georgia, it’s pretty common for folks to run into both types of bugs, so let’s take a look at some of the differences so you can identify one vs. the other the next time you call your Bug Guys for help. 

German Cockroach vs. Palmetto Bug 

Palmetto Bug 

German cockroaches and palmetto bugs are more or less in the same family, but let’s call them distant cousins. If you’ve ever experienced a horrifying moment of trying to kill a roach in your home only to have it take flight. Then you can automatically assume that you’ve encountered a palmetto bug and not a typical roach. 

The palmetto bug, also known as the American cockroach, is a much larger-looking roach that has a red tint to it and can fly. The palmetto bug is commonly found in the southeast in states like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. You can usually find this critter outdoors in palm trees or shrubs. After all, that’s where it gets the name – palmetto bug.  

Palmetto bugs may look even more disgusting than cockroaches, but the good news is they don’t carry the same harmful bacteria as German cockroaches. 

German Cockroach

Unlike the palmetto bug, the German cockroach can carry diseases and cause harm. The German cockroach is also much more prone to entering your home and raiding your kitchen than the palmetto bug. They prefer to live indoors near food and water so your kitchen and bathroom areas are ideal spaces for them. 

Below you can view the difference in appearance between the two types of critters. 

(Image source: Insect Cop) 

Checklist for Keeping All Types of Roaches Out of Your Home: 

• Knock out their hiding places 
• Get rid of their food and water sources
• Seal up entry points around your home
• Cut all trees and shrubbery down near your home (palmetto bugs thrive in outdoor environments and will enter your home if there’s easy access near the plants they live in)
• Use natural repellents 
• If all else fails, call in the pros – 706-309-0881

For more information on how to get rid of roaches, click here, or if you’re ready to get started with protecting your home from roaches, sign up for your free inspection here.