The term “palmetto bug” is a regional nickname used primarily in the Southeastern United States, referring most commonly to the American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana). This insect is an omnivorous scavenger with a highly adaptable diet, consuming nearly any organic material it encounters. Palmetto bugs are generally outdoor dwellers, but they readily enter human structures in search of sustenance.
Indoor Food Sources
Palmetto bugs are drawn inside homes largely by the availability of processed starches, sugars, and protein residues. They prefer sugary and starchy foods, including common pantry items like bread, cereals, and baked goods. Spills of sweet liquids, such as soda or syrup, are especially attractive. Grease that collects on stovetops, in range hoods, and under kitchen appliances is a major indoor food source.
Pet food left uncovered provides a rich, accessible meal. These pests also consume non-traditional items found in human environments. They feed on starch-based glues in book bindings and wallpaper paste, as well as cardboard used for storage. They can also derive nutrients from soap residue, cosmetics, and soiled clothing. Small crumbs and food particles trapped in sink drains and under cabinets provide adequate nourishment.
Natural and Outdoor Diet
In their natural habitat, palmetto bugs primarily function as decomposers, focusing on decaying organic matter. They prefer materials that are breaking down, including fungi, algae, and mold. This diet explains why they are often found in dark, moist outdoor areas like sewers, under mulch, and near woodpiles.
Decaying plant material, such as leaf litter and rotting wood, is a fundamental part of their outdoor sustenance. They also scavenge on dead insects and other small arthropods. Palmetto bugs are often driven indoors when outdoor food sources become scarce or when weather conditions make their outdoor shelters less hospitable.
Controlling Infestation by Removing Food
Controlling an infestation begins with eliminating food access points within the home. All human and pet food must be stored in containers with tight-fitting seals, preventing access to dry goods. Immediately wiping up spills and cleaning food preparation surfaces removes accessible sugar and grease residues.
Securing garbage is equally important, requiring trash cans with tightly closed lids and frequent removal of refuse. This denies them a rich source of decaying food scraps and fermenting materials. Pet food bowls should be emptied and cleaned each night.
Beyond food, palmetto bugs have a strong requirement for water. Eliminating standing water is a crucial step in prevention. Repairing leaky pipes, especially under sinks and in bathrooms, and ensuring there is no excess condensation eliminates their water source, making the environment inhospitable.