Shocking Close-Up of What Are Those Swarming Palmetto Bugs Really?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:21:19 +0000

# Shocking Close-Up of What Are Those Swarming Palmetto Bugs? If you’ve ever stepped outside on a humid summer evening in the southeastern U.S., you might have encountered something unsettling: hundreds—sometimes thousands—of what are commonly called “palmetto bugs.” But what exactly are these surprisingly large, fast-moving insects, and why do so many people describe their sudden swarms as shocking? In this article, we take a close-up look at the true nature of palmetto bugs, identify them, explain why they swarm, and help you understand whether they’re a harmless nuisance or a sign of a larger pest issue. ## What Are Palmetto Bugs? Palmetto bugs aren’t a specific species but rather a common name for large, dark beetles often associated with stink bugs—though they’re technically cockroaches. The term is most commonly used for species in the genus Eurycotis, particularly Eurycotis Florida, also known as the Florida picnic beetle, though palmetto bugs can include other related species such as Asian tarantula cockroaches or American cockroaches when found indoors.