Appearance: The Palmetto bug, also called a “water bug” or the “American Cockroach”, is the largest structure-infesting species-about 1/2-inch long. It has Reddish-brown wings with light markings on thorax.

Habitat: Prefers warm, damp areas. More likely to be seen in daytime and outdoors.

Diet: Scavenger; eats almost anything.

Other: Large infestations of Palmetto Bugs often give a room a distinctive oily odor. The debris they leave behind, feces, bits of cuticle and hairs can cause allergies and in rare cases lead to asthma.