Cockroaches are fast-moving, flat insects that are mostly active at night. During the day, they can be found hiding in cracks and crevices. Five species of cockroaches can be found in Missouri, four of which often live their entire life cycle indoors.
Biology & Life Cycle
In ideal conditions, cockroaches can reproduce rapidly—making them an especially nasty pest to eliminate. Female cockroaches place 18 to 30 eggs within a protective covering or egg case. In her lifetime, a cockroach will produce between 4 and 20 of these egg cases. This casing provides protection for eggs as they develop and young cockroaches emerge. The location of these casings can often be the source of a new infestation.
Habitats in Missouri
The list of places cockroaches may be found is wide-ranging. From behind picture frames or other objects on walls or in closets, underneath tables, chairs and cabinets. They may also be found inside electronics and in lamps or furniture in dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms. Some types are even known to cluster or gather together in large groups.
Diet & The Search for Food
Cockroaches eat many types of foods, including garbage, feces, food scraps, grease, hair, and dead animal or plant material. They can easily transport disease from dirty areas like garbage cans and sewers on the outside of their bodies. Large populations of cockroaches often produce an objectionable odor, which is a combination of their feces and saliva.
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Or call or text us at 636-297-1335
Or call or text us at 636-297-1335
Management & Eradication
Without a doubt, a severe infestation needs to be handled by a professionally licensed exterminator. Attempting to eradicate them on your own will prove futile, as the roaches will multiply increasingly fast. However, through proper sanitation, baits, and spraying cracks and crevices, cockroaches can often be controlled. Yet, for many businesses and homeowners, any cockroach is one too many. In that case, please consider hiring a professional controller like Hometown Pest Solutions.
Please visit the University of Missouri’s Cockroaches webpage for more information about cockroaches.