How to Keep Palmetto Beetles Out of a House

Palmetto beetles are the scourge of the deep South. Resembling and actually related to cockroaches, palmetto beetles invade houses in the summer, climbing walls and skittering across floors. These large, brown beetles can reach up to 3 inches in length. They can fly but prefer to crawl. Unlike cockroaches, which prefer to live in the walls and cupboards of houses, the palmetto beetle lives outside and comes in only to look for water. Deterring palmetto beetles from your home takes persistence, but it can be done.

Instructions

1. Watch closely for where palmetto beetles are entering your house. They do not need a large hole; a tiny crack allows them to squeeze through. Palmetto beetles are likely coming into your home from the same spot or spots. The first line of defense is to plug the cracks with caulk so that they cannot get through on their regular paths.

2. Set out shallow dishes of beer around the exterior of your home and refill after a hard rain. The smell of the beer attracts palmetto beetles, and they will drown when they climb into the bowl. Remove the beetles frequently.

3. Make borax balls. Mix 1/2 cup borax with 3 tbsp. sugar, 1 tbsp. onion powder and 1 1/2 tsp. water. Form into balls the size of marbles and place them where you frequently see palmetto beetles. As a preventative measure, place the borax balls around the exterior perimeter of the house at a height where other outdoor animals cannot reach them. The palmetto beetles will eat the borax, which is poisonous to them over time.

4. Clear overhanging branches near your house. Palmetto beetles live in trees and often travel from tree branches to houses. Keeping your stray branches trimmed deters them from making the journey.

5. Check all outside taps and hoses to make sure there are no leaks. Palmetto beetles are attracted to moisture, so a leaking hose is a beacon to the bugs to hang out around your house.

Tips & Warnings

• Preventing palmetto beetles from entering your home is more effective than dealing with them once they are inside.

• Do not leave borax where pets, children or outside animals can access it as it is poisonous when ingested.