Why Are Palmetto Bugs Suddenly Showing Up in My House?

If you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you know the feeling — you flip on the light and there it is… a big palmetto bug making itself at home.

While many people think bugs disappear in winter, the opposite can happen here.

When temperatures drop — especially during cold snaps — palmetto bugs look for warmth, moisture, and shelter. Your home provides all three.

We tend to see increased activity when:

• Nights get cooler

• Rain drives insects indoors

• Doors and windows stay closed more often

• Dry drains allow entry points

One commonly overlooked cause is dry plumbing traps. When sinks, tubs, or floor drains aren’t used regularly, the water barrier evaporates, allowing bugs to come up through drains.

Running water weekly can help prevent this.

Regular exterior pest control creates a protective barrier that keeps them outside where they belong.

If you’re seeing more activity, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an infestation — it often just means they’re looking for shelter.