Pest guide
Cockroach identification: which roach is in your house?
In Atlanta, "palmetto bug" can mean several large outdoor roaches. The small German cockroach is a different problem entirely.
What the name "palmetto bug" really means
UGA entomologists describe "palmetto bug" as a catch-all name for smokybrown, American and Oriental cockroaches. Smokybrowns are most common where there are mature hardwoods and high humidity, which describes much of metro Atlanta.
Species comparison
| Species | Size & look | Habitat | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| German | ~1/2–5/8 in; tan with two dark stripes behind head | Indoors: kitchens, baths | Indoor breeding population — treatment |
| Smokybrown | ~1–1.5 in; uniform dark mahogany; flies | Trees, gutters, mulch, attics | Outdoor invader — seal and treat the exterior |
| American | Up to ~2 in; reddish-brown, pale band behind head | Sewers, basements, crawl spaces, drains | Moisture and plumbing entry |
| Oriental | ~1 in; shiny black; short wings | Damp crawl spaces, drains | Moisture problem |
Sources
Sources reviewed November 2026. Regulations change; confirm with the issuing agency.