🪳 Palmetto Bugs Don’t Belong in Your House — A Lexington, SC Homeowner’s Guide

Lamp’s Pest Solutions — Lexington’s trusted local pest control experts since 2009

📍 316 Corley Street, Lexington, SC 29072

📞 803-414-0588 | 💻 www.lampspestsolutions.com

1️⃣ “Palmetto Bug” Is Just a Southern Nickname

Here in South Carolina, “Palmetto bug” sounds friendlier than “cockroach” — but make no mistake, it’s the same pest: the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana).

They thrive in Lexington’s warm, humid climate and love to sneak into crawlspaces and basements, especially during summer storms.

💬 Local Tip: Homes near Lake Murray, Red Bank, and Oak Grove tend to see more Palmetto bugs due to higher moisture and tree cover.

2️⃣ They Love Moisture and Darkness

Palmetto bugs are drawn to damp, dark spaces — bathrooms, kitchens, crawlspaces, and basements.

After heavy rain or when temperatures drop, they often move indoors to find warmth and food.

If you’ve noticed one in your sink or bathtub after a storm, that’s no coincidence — Lexington’s rain patterns drive them straight inside.

3️⃣ They Can Fly (Sort Of)

It’s not your imagination — Palmetto bugs can glide short distances.

They’re not strong flyers, but when startled, they may launch toward light or movement. That’s why they sometimes seem to “fly” right at you.

Don’t worry — they’re not attacking, just panicking!

4️⃣ They’re Not Just Gross — They’re Germy

Palmetto bugs are more than a nuisance. They carry bacteria like Salmonella and can contaminate food, countertops, and dishes.

Their droppings and shed skins may trigger allergies or asthma, especially in children or anyone sensitive to dust and allergens.

🧼 Lexington Health Note: Because many Lexington homes use crawlspace HVAC systems, Palmetto bug debris can circulate through ducts — another reason professional treatment matters.

5️⃣ DIY Sprays Don’t Work for Long

Store-bought sprays only kill what you see. The real infestation hides inside wall voids, plumbing lines, and foundation gaps.

That’s why Lamp’s Pest Solutions targets the source with professional-grade treatments designed for Lexington’s soil, humidity, and building styles.

We don’t just spray — we inspect, identify, and treat the root cause so the bugs don’t come back.

6️⃣ Prevention Starts Outside

Palmetto bugs enter through tiny cracks, vents, and door gaps. To protect your Lexington home:

✅ Seal gaps around windows and doors

✅ Repair plumbing leaks and eliminate standing water

✅ Clean gutters and downspouts regularly

✅ Move mulch and woodpiles away from your foundation

✅ Keep outdoor lighting yellow-tinted to avoid attracting flying roaches

7️⃣ Lamp’s Pest Solutions Keeps Them Out — for Good

We’re not a national chain — we’re Lexington locals who understand local pests, weather, and housing styles.

Our team uses eco-conscious, family-safe methods to break breeding cycles, reduce moisture attractants, and prevent re-infestation.

Whether you live in Lexington, Red Bank, Irmo, or near Lake Murray, we’ll protect your home like it’s our own.

🗣️ Real Customer Story

“We live near Lake Murray and saw these giant roaches every summer. Mike and his team sealed our crawlspace and treated the perimeter — we haven’t seen a single one since.”— The Johnson Family, Lexington, SC

📊 Palmetto Bug Quick Facts (Lexington Edition)

Category	Details
Scientific Name	Periplaneta americana
Common Nicknames	Palmetto bug, water bug, flying roach
Average Size	1.5–2 inches long
Color	Reddish-brown with a yellowish halo on the head
Habitat	Warm, damp areas — sewers, crawlspaces, drains
Active Season	April–October (peak summer months)
Can They Fly?	Yes — short glides
Health Risks	Bacteria, allergens, asthma triggers
DIY Difficulty	High — fast breeders, hidden colonies
Best Solution	Professional pest control from Lamp’s Pest Solutions

🌳 Smokybrown Cockroaches — Lexington’s Other “Palmetto Bug”

If you’ve ever seen a big, dark roach flying toward your porch light, you’ve likely met the Smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta fuliginosa).

Like the American cockroach, Smokybrowns are often called “Palmetto bugs” too — but they behave a bit differently.

Trait	American Cockroach	Smokybrown Cockroach
Color	Reddish-brown with light marking on head	Uniform dark brown or black, glossy
Habitat	Basements, drains, crawlspaces	Trees, attics, gutters, mulch
Flight	Weak glider	Stronger flier — attracted to lights
Moisture Needs	Can handle drier air	Needs high humidity
Common in Lexington	Inside homes	Around trees and rooflines

💬 Local Tip: Homes near Lake Murray, Old Cherokee Road, and Red Bank often see Smokybrowns during humid summer nights because of dense tree cover and attic ventilation.

How to Prevent Smokybrown Roaches

• Clean gutters and remove leaf litter

• Trim back trees touching your roofline

• Replace bright porch bulbs with yellow-tinted ones

• Seal soffit and attic vent gaps

• Keep mulch and debris away from siding

If you’re seeing big, dark roaches flying toward lights — it’s probably a Smokybrown cockroach.

Lamp’s Pest Solutions provides targeted treatments to control both Smokybrown and American cockroaches common in the Lexington area.

🗓️ Lexington Pest Calendar

Season	What Happens	Action
Spring	Palmetto and Smokybrown roaches emerge outdoors	Schedule preventive spray
Summer	Peak indoor invasions	Inspect and seal entry points
Fall	Move indoors with cooler temps	Quarterly maintenance
Winter	Hide in crawlspaces	Keep humidity low and leaks fixed

❓ Palmetto Bug & Smokybrown Cockroach FAQs — Lexington SC Edition

1. Are Palmetto and Smokybrown bugs the same thing?

Not exactly. Both are large cockroach species common in South Carolina, but Smokybrowns are darker and prefer trees and attics, while American roaches live lower, in basements and crawlspaces.

2. Are they dangerous?

They don’t bite, but both spread bacteria and allergens that can affect Lexington homes with children or pets.

3. Why do I see more after rain?

Heavy rain floods their outdoor shelters — especially around Lake Murray and Old Mill Pond — forcing them indoors.

4. What should I do if I see one?

Don’t ignore it. Call Lamp’s Pest Solutions at 803-414-0588 for fast, local, same-day service.

📞 Call Lamp’s Pest Solutions — Your Lexington Pest Experts

Palmetto bugs and Smokybrown roaches might love the Palmetto State — but not your home.

Call 803-414-0588 or visit lampspestsolutions.com for same-day pest control in Lexington, Irmo, Red Bank, and Lake Murray areas.

🏡 Lamp’s Pest Solutions

316 Corley Street, Lexington, SC 29072📞 803-414-0588💻 www.lampspestsolutions.com