The term palmetto bug can refer to three species of cockroaches, depending on where you live. In Florida, the term palmetto bug refers to the Florida woods cockroach. In South Carolina, smoky brown cockroaches are called palmetto bugs.
What is the difference between a cockroach and a palmetto bug?
American cockroaches (Periplaneta Americana) are called palmetto bugs in the southeastern part of the United States.
Florida has the Florida woods cockroach (Eurycotis floridana).
The adult American cockroach grows to be 1 1/2 – 2 inches long. It is reddish-brown and has shiny wings. It can fly, although it usually glides down from higher surfaces to lower surfaces.