Cockroaches in Missouri: Identification & Control

If you live in Missouri and are seeing cockroaches, you're not alone. These pests are common in St. Louis, Kansas City, and towns across the state. Missouri’s warm, damp summers, older homes with basements, and aging sewers all make it easy for roaches to move in.

In this guide, you'll learn about the most common types of cockroaches in Missouri. We'll help you identify them, explain where they hide, and show you how to get rid of cockroaches.

You'll also know when it's time to stop the DIY efforts and call a pest control professional.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri homes often have different types of cockroaches that need specific treatment based on how they behave.
• Each cockroach species hides in different places and requires the right pest control approach to stop the infestation.
• Seeing roaches during the day or finding droppings means the infestation may need professional pest control help.
• Cockroach problems can spread germs and allergens, but expert exterminators can help keep your home safe and clean.

Types of Cockroaches in Missouri

If you're seeing roaches around your home, it helps to know what you're dealing with. Missouri is home to several different species of cockroaches, and each one behaves a little differently.

Here's how to tell them apart, and what you can do to get them under control:

German Cockroach

The German cockroach is one of the most common roaches found in Missouri homes.

These pests are small, only about ½ inch long, and light brown with two dark stripes behind the head. They like warm, damp places and are often found near food sources in kitchens, behind refrigerators, and under sinks.

German roaches reproduce quickly. Their egg cases are hard to kill, and sprays alone won’t work. We use a mix of baits, growth regulators, and follow-up visits. This helps stop their life cycle and reduce allergens from their droppings and feces.

If left alone, they can cause food poisoning and breathing problems.

American Cockroach

Also known as “palmetto bugs,” American cockroaches are large and reddish-brown. These roaches can grow over two inches long and are usually found in basements, sewers, and other dark, damp areas.

American roaches get into homes through drains, vents, and cracks.

To keep them out, we treat entry points, basements, and crawl spaces. We also reduce standing water and organic matter that attract them.

Oriental Cockroach

People often mistake Oriental cockroaches for water bugs.

These roaches are dark brown or black and have a shiny body. They like cool, wet places and are often found in laundry rooms, drains, and outside near sewers.

These common pests do best in damp areas.

Getting rid of leaks, drying out crawl spaces, and sealing cracks will help. Our pest control team treats both inside and outside the home to make sure Oriental roaches don’t come back.

Brown-Banded Cockroach

Brown-banded cockroaches are smaller than other roaches and light brown with yellowish bands on their wings.

Unlike the German roach, they like dry areas. You might find them behind picture frames, in closets, or inside electronics.

Brown-banded roaches hide high up, so sprays on the floor won’t reach them.

We place baits where they nest, like in cabinets and ceiling corners. These pests are often brought inside through used furniture or cardboard boxes.

Wood Cockroach

Wood cockroaches are reddish-brown and look like American roaches. They're common in wooded areas and may come inside with firewood. These bugs don’t usually live or breed indoors.

Wood roaches are more of a nuisance than a threat.

Keep firewood at least 20 feet from your house and check it before bringing it inside. Sealing gaps in doors and windows also helps.

Signs You Need Professional Cockroach Control

Not sure if it’s time to call for professional help? Some signs are easy to overlook until the problem gets worse.

If you notice any of the following, it’s likely time to bring in a pest control expert:

You See Roaches in Daylight

Roaches are night bugs. If you see them during the day, the infestation is likely large. This means there aren’t enough hiding spots, and they’re being forced out.

You Find Egg Cases or Droppings

Cockroach egg cases are small and brown, often found in tight spaces like crevices behind drawers. Their droppings look like pepper or dirt.

Seeing either is a sign to act quickly.

You Smell Something Musty

A strong, oily smell is common with a large cockroach infestation.

This smell is caused by pheromones, and it sticks to walls and furniture, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

DIY Methods Aren’t Working

If you’ve tried traps and sprays but keep seeing roaches, it’s time for professional help. Most DIY fixes don’t stop the reproduction cycle or remove hidden roaches.

Missouri Homeowners Deserve a Pest-Free Home

Roaches can carry pathogens, spread disease, and cause serious health issues. They live in places like sewers, crawl spaces, and basements, and feed on food crumbs, grease, and even trash.

Once they find food and water, they can be hard to get rid of.

At Miller Pest & Termite, we understand the different species of cockroaches found in Missouri. Whether it’s in your kitchen or your basement, we offer expert cockroach extermination. Our pest control services are designed for Missouri homes, taking into account local climate, structure, and the types of roaches we see most.

Contact us now. We’ll help you take control so your home stays clean, healthy, and pest-free.