Sasha CampbellPalmetto bugs are common pests in warmer climates. While they are not necessarily dangerous, they can be a nuisance when they invade homes.
However, you do not need to pay for an exterminator. You can manage these pests on your own using natural remedies.
Below are some natural ways to help keep palmetto bugs under control.
Identification
Palmetto bug is a term used in certain areas to refer to some species of large cockroaches or insects that look like them [1].
Some people refer to them as American cockroaches, while others call them Florida Woods Cockroaches.
These roaches thrive in warm, humid climates and are especially common in southeastern America [2].
You might find them in damp areas of your house, like under sinks, in bathrooms, and in kitchens. You may also see them outdoors in wood piles or under mulches.
They have a shiny body, and their color varies, from reddish-brown to dark brown. They can also grow to 2 inches long.
How to Get Rid of Palmetto Bugs Naturally
These are some of the best home remedies and natural control methods for palmetto bugs.
1. Homemade Soap Spray
Soap can suffocate palmetto bugs by blocking their breathing pores.
Mix one tablespoon of Dawn dish soap in four cups of water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it directly on the bugs.
If enough of the soapy water gets on the bugs’ bodies, the soap mixture will kill them almost immediately.
2. Coffee Grounds Trap
Cockroaches seem to love coffee beans [3], so coffee grounds can make a decent trap for palmetto bugs.
Place used coffee grounds in a jar or bowl with enough water to drown the critters if they fall in.
The scent of the coffee will attract these bugs, but they will drown if they fall into the water.
3. Catnip
The catnip plant contains nepetalactone, which is a natural cockroach repellent [4].
Therefore, small catnip sachets should be placed in cupboards and other places where palmetto bugs may pose a problem. It will repel them.
4. Bay Leaves
You can also place bay leaves in places like under sinks, behind furniture, or near entryways.
The strong smell can be a big turnoff for roaches.
5. Fix Leaks
These bugs are drawn to moisture, so fixing leaky pipes and faucets can help make your home less attractive to them.
Repairing leaks in the bathroom, kitchen, or basement can prevent palmetto bugs from setting up residence.
6. Borax and Sugar Mixture
Borax is a substance that can be lethal to many insects, including palmetto bugs. Mixing it with sugar attracts them to the bait.
Therefore, mix one part sugar with three parts borax. Sprinkle this homemade palmetto bug killer in areas where you’ve seen droppings or other evidence of palmetto bugs.
The sugar attracts the bugs, and the borax will poison them. However, be careful to keep this mixture away from pets and children.
7. Vinegar and Water
A solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can help keep away palmetto bugs.
It’s a good idea to use this mixture to wipe down surfaces where the bugs might travel or crawl over.
8. Empty Garbage Containers
Cockroaches in general are attracted to food spills and garbage.
Therefore, make sure to empty garbage containers regularly, especially those in the kitchen.
In the meantime, use a tightly sealed lid to prevent these bugs from accessing your trash.
9. Seal Up Gaps Inside the House
These critters can enter your home through tiny cracks and gaps. Sealing up these openings helps keep them outside where they belong.
This method not only keeps out palmetto bugs but also other pests like ants and spiders.
10. Clean Up the Kitchen
As mentioned, palmetto bugs are attracted to food scraps, spills, and moisture. Therefore, a clean kitchen removes these attractions.
Wipe down countertops and sweep floors, paying special attention to any crumbs or food residue.
Also, store food in something that the cockroaches will not be able to get into.
11. Get a Cat
While some people might want to get rid of cats from the garden, cats are natural hunters and can help keep the palmetto bug population in check.
While this method may not be for everyone, a cat can be a fun and natural way to control pests in your home and outside.
It’s also as organic as it can be, and that palmetto bug will die instantly once the cat catches it!
12. Vacuum Cleaner
You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove palmetto bugs if you are fast enough to catch them when you see them.
Make sure to empty the vacuum bag or canister far away so the bugs don’t find their way back into your home.
13. Neem Oil
Neem oil works against a lot of insects [5], and palmetto bugs are no exception.
Mix neem oil with water according to the recipe in this article and spray it on the bugs or in areas where they are present.
This DIY neem oil remedy will interfere with the insects’ ability to reproduce, helping to reduce their numbers over time.
14. Baking Soda and Sugar
Like the borax method, baking soda and sugar can help eliminate palmetto bugs.
The sugar attracts them, while the baking soda is fatal to them. Sprinkle this mixture in palmetto-bug-infested areas.
15. Maintain Your Yard
Palmetto bugs thrive in outdoor environments like leaf piles, mulch, and damp soil. Therefore, keeping your yard tidy can reduce their presence near your home.
16. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural powder that can kill palmetto bugs by dehydrating them.
So, sprinkle some food-grade diatomaceous earth in areas where you suspect palmetto bugs might hide. Put it in places like under appliances, in crevices and cracks, or behind cabinets.
17. Essential Oils
Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove oil can deter palmetto bugs.
Mix 15 drops of one of these oils with 10 ounces of water in a spray bottle and spray it around entry points, like windows, doors, and cracks.
The strong smell of this natural spray is unappealing to the bugs and can help keep them away.
18. Avenger Zone Insect Killer Spray
Avenger Zone Insect Killer Spray is a botanically based pesticide that can be used to kill silverfish, flour beetles, cockroaches, and other household pests.
Moreover, it is safe for use around pets and children. Use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
See also: Natural Ways to Keep Away Common Cockroaches
Takeaway
While these natural remedies may not get rid of palmetto bugs for good, they can help you manage and reduce their populations without harsh chemicals.
A combination of prevention, repellent, and targeted treatment can keep your home and backyard free from these unwelcome pests.
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