Home › Residential › Cockroaches & Palmetto Bugs
A big roach that wanders in from outside is usually a palmetto bug (American or Florida woods roach) and is best stopped at the exterior. Small roaches in the kitchen or bathroom are usually German cockroaches, which breed indoors and need a targeted inside treatment. We identify which one you have, treat where they hide, and leave you a written service report.
“Palmetto bug” is the name most Floridians use for the large roaches that come in from yards, mulch, sewers and attics. They’re common across Palm Beach County, especially after heavy rain. German cockroaches are a different problem: they are small, breed fast, and live inside near food, warmth and water.
Palmetto bugs vs. German cockroaches
| Palmetto bugs (American, Florida woods, smoky brown) | German cockroaches | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large, 1 to 2 inches | Small, about half an inch |
| Where they live | Outdoors: mulch, palms, attics, drains | Indoors: kitchens, bathrooms, appliances |
| What it usually means | Entry from outside | An indoor population that’s breeding |
| How we treat | Exterior perimeter, entry points, attic and drains | Targeted gel baits and growth regulators indoors |
Learn more in our cockroach identification guide and our post on palmetto bugs and what they mean.
How our cockroach control works
Inspect
We check under sinks, behind appliances, around water heaters, in the garage and around the exterior, and look at how roaches are getting in.
Treat the right places
For palmetto bugs we focus on the exterior and entry points. For German cockroaches we place baits and growth regulators in cracks and crevices where they live, not broadcast sprays across your counters.
Report and follow up
Your written service report lists what we found and treated. German cockroach jobs usually need follow-up visits, which we schedule with you.
Help keep roaches out
- Fix dripping faucets and leaks under sinks.
- Store food in sealed containers and take out trash nightly.
- Keep mulch a few inches back from the foundation.
- Seal gaps around pipes and under doors. Ask us what we saw during the inspection.
Related services and reading
Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties
We provide cockroach control in Boynton Beach, cockroach control in Haverhill and cockroach control in Lauderhill. From our base in Lantana we also serve Lantana, Lake Worth Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, plus dozens of other communities in Palm Beach and Broward counties. See all 49 service areas.
Cockroach control FAQ
Does seeing one palmetto bug mean I have an infestation?
Not usually. One large roach after a rainstorm often just wandered in. Seeing them often, finding droppings or seeing small roaches in the kitchen is a sign you need treatment.
Why do I see more roaches right after treatment?
It’s common to see some activity for a short time as treated roaches come out of hiding. If you’re still seeing them after a couple of weeks, call us. Follow-up is part of the service.
How do you get rid of German cockroaches?
German cockroaches need a targeted indoor program: baits, growth regulators, and good sanitation. Most homes need more than one visit. We’ll explain the plan after the inspection.
Do you treat restaurants and businesses for roaches?
Yes. See our restaurant pest control page and our commercial pest control services.
Book a complimentary inspection
We’ll share what we find and recommend a plan. Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM.
Q and L Pest Management LLC · FDACS Pest Control Business License #JB333443 · Inspect first. Treat smart.