[lovelucy]

I have a question. I lived in Florida for 7 months and had an abrupt introduction to those lovely bugs! I had one fly into my hair when I opened a cabinet.

I didn't realize that they flew. Now, the "Love bugs" weren't bad, except that I know you have to avoid driving your vehicle during the sun up and sun down hours to avoid them in your grill and on the windshield.

I am wondering if the "locals" are just used to them just like northerners are used to "blizzards" and expect them, or do locals get just as freaked out by them as visitors/tourists/newbies

[cuse]

funny this was brought up now....moments ago I found one on the floor!!! Die Suckaaa!! I can't stand these damn things. It's been many months since I've had one inside. Makes you feel dirty and a slob! And neither one am I. Just GROSS!! Period!

ps....I'ld rather have a blizzard. lol

[Florida Impressions]

Just wait 'til one flies in your window while driving your car!

[Rhett_Butler]

Love bugs you just get used to as they have basically two seasons that last about two weeks each..... Palmetto bugs??? Well, can one EVER get used to a 2 inch bug flying around the house sounding like a B-17 Bomber???

[SouthFloridaNative]

Born and raised in South Florida but still have a deep fear of those things. They put me into a complete break down. There was another thread on here about roaches (palmetto bugs).

[Prichard]

Big flying roaches - they won't hurt you, and yes I STILL FEAR THEM! No, you will never get used to them - they are big, ugly and they fly; in fact they seem to fly right for you!!

[harry chickpea]

The Palmetto bug is the American Roach. As far as roaches go, they are pretty easy to kill. Put some boric acid powder around your water heater, under your sinks, and plug up any holes. One or two may wander in over the course of a year and die.

I was introduced to them on a vacation here in the 1970s. Woke up to some noises in a cabin in the Keys, flipped on the light, and there were about thirty of them doing a square dance in the middle of the floor. A couple of them were lugging out the refrigerator, so my girlfriend of the time called the manager. We spent the rest of the night sniffing Raid and listening to the little death throes.

[cmsvmom]

They are big and ugly. Growing up in miami, that was what I thought all cockroaches looked like. Imagine my surprise at finding the NYC cockroaches were so much smaller and didn't take flight!

In miami, we had regular exterminator service, and also found that if you have individualy unit ac, they love it - so you have to keep your windows screened, your plumbing in good order, and make sure that anything that needs to be sealed or caulked in your home is properly done. And get central air.

[ellie]

Most bugs don't bother me that much, but having a palmetto bug come flying after me...it gives me the willies every time it happens.

Worse than that is if one gets in or on your bed while you're in it. Yikes!

Fortunately at my current home, I've only seen two or three in three years. I do put out a small amount of poison in the very back of my cabinet below the sink, since that's where I keep my trash can. Seems to work.

[riveree]

i thought I had left them behind in NY where they were simply huge, disgusting "roaches". At least they have a prettier name here.