Sewer-Dwelling Palmetto Bugs Can Emerge From Indoor Drains After Traveling Through Plumbing Pipes - J&J Exterminating (2024)

FAQs

Do palmetto bugs come up through drains? ›

Palmetto bugs can quickly jump from branches near the house or climb the exterior wall to find a little hole to squeeze through. Even if you're sure there are no cracks or holes in your building, these determined critters can even come up through the drains and plumbing pipes!

“co*ckroaches often live in the sewer system so they can travel up into facilities from there, but they can also enter drains from the facilities themselves,” explained Rockwell Labs Owner/President Cisse Spragins. “Roaches need moisture, food, and non-freezing temperatures, and drains generally provide all three.”

Bring in a Pest Control Company Right Away

They bring in a plethora of germs and diseases. At Dave's Pest Control, we have decades of experience exterminating pests like palmetto bugs and keeping homes safe. Contact us right away if you see any signs of palmetto bugs in or around your home.

They find their way indoors when the temperature drops and get inside by crawling through gaps in doors and windows, torn screens, and cracks. If you suspect you have an infestation, look for palmetto bugs in the dark and damp areas of your home, such as: Under the sink or refrigerator. In attics and crawl spaces.

You can get rid of any bugs that might be living in your drain by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a half cup of baking soda and salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, and let it sit for 24 hours. Once it has sat, pour boiling water down the drain to kill any bugs and clean the drain.

Palmetto Bugs predominantly live outdoors, which means if they are making it into your house, there is cause for concern. The main reasons why palmetto bugs are inside are: 1. Food and water sources: Your pantry, pet food, sinks, and any surfaces can provide an opportunity for palmetto bugs to find food and water.

Use a mixture of baking soda and distilled vinegar to clean pipes: pour ½ cup of baking soda down the pipe, followed by ½ cup of distilled white vinegar. Close or cover the drain for 3-5 minutes, then pour several cups of boiling water down the drain.

Baking soda and white vinegar are popular, all-natural cleaning supplies. You can use them on several surfaces throughout your home, including in your sink drains, to kill co*ckroaches and eliminate lingering odors. Start with ¼ cup of baking soda. Pour it down the drain, then follow with ½ cup of vinegar.

Drains provide roaches with a sustainable source of food and water. If roaches have taken up residence inside the drains of your house, the following steps will take away their water sources and keep them from coming up the drain: Use a flashlight and check your drains for holes or cracks.

Some smells that they are commonly reported to dislike include: Peppermint: The strong scent of peppermint oil can deter palmetto bugs and other co*ckroach species. Cedar: The aroma of cedar wood or cedar oil can be unpleasant for co*ckroaches.

What is the best product to get rid of palmetto bugs? ›

The easiest treatment method for getting rid of palmetto bugs is to spray the house with a broad spectrum insecticide such as Avesta SC. Best results are achieved by spraying the exterior walls of the structure including the foundation. On the interior, spray in the cracks and crevices throughout the house.

Palmetto bugs, especially females, can live for a year and sometimes longer.

Keep a clean home and try to confine dining to one area or room. Consider investing in a dehumidifier—palmetto bugs love moisture and humidity. Diffuse essential oils like lavender, peppermint, citronella, bergamot, thyme, basil, pine, or peppermint—these scents repel insects, including roaches.

Strategically place roach glue traps around the house. Make homemade roach baits using boric acid. Spread food-grade diatomaceous earth around the house. Seal all the cracks, gaps, and holes along the house walls.

Although they primarily live outdoors, these co*ckroaches may occasionally find their way indoors in their search for food, shelter and moisture. Once inside, they may contaminate food and cause health problems.

Palmetto bugs like moist, humid areas. In your home, you'll find them in your bathrooms, kitchen (under sinks, behind dishwashers, and under refrigerators), attics, and crawlspaces.

Palmetto bugs are attracted to moisture, so if you find a suspicious critter in your kitchen, bathroom, basem*nt, attic, crawl space, or near leaky pipes, it's likely a palmetto bug.