Palmetto bugs are fine, they don't bother and if they're in your house it's 'cause they got lost. American cockroaches are big enough to be funny to watch and also don't cause trouble. The smaller German roach is the nasty pest to kill with fire.
(Preface: I embrace and support the "you do you" attitude I've found among Tea People. So I won't say anything you're enjoying is wrong even when I wouldn't do it that way myself!)
Steeps are traditionally short to avoid extracting unwanted flavors that come out of the leaves more slowly. I suggest preparing two smaller pots steeped for different times and taste-test them side by side, to know what difference time makes and which you like better.
Palmetto bugs are fine, they don't bother and if they're in your house it's 'cause they got lost. American cockroaches are big enough to be funny to watch and also don't cause trouble. The smaller German roach is the nasty pest to kill with fire.